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Connections & Data Flow

How Connections Work

Data flows left to right through the graph. Each connection carries a value from an output port to an input port. During each update cycle, the compiler evaluates nodes in topological order (upstream before downstream).

Making Connections

  1. Hover over an output port (right side of a node)
  2. Click and drag to an input port (left side of another node)
  3. Release to create the connection

Removing Connections

  • Click on a connection line to select it, then press Delete or Backspace

Port Types

Ports are color-coded by their data type:

Type Color Values
Number Blue Integers or floats (0, 3.14, -100)
Boolean Purple true or false
String Yellow/Amber Text values ("Hello")
Any Gray Accepts any type

Type Compatibility

  • Exact match - Number-to-Number, Boolean-to-Boolean always works
  • Any port - An any port accepts connections from any type
  • Number to Boolean - A number output can connect to a boolean input (0 = false, non-zero = true)
  • Boolean to Number - A boolean output can connect to a number input (true = 1, false = 0)
  • Incompatible - String ports cannot connect to Number/Boolean ports (the editor prevents this)

Rules

  • Each input port accepts only one connection (last one wins if you drag a second)
  • Each output port can connect to multiple inputs (fan-out)
  • Cycles are not allowed - the compiler detects them and reports an error
  • Unconnected input ports use their default value (shown in the inspector)

Data Flow Example

Battery(Voltage) --> Compare(A)
                                  --> Compare(Result) --> GCS Text(Trigger)
Constant(11.1)   --> Compare(B)

Each cycle: Battery reads voltage, Constant provides 11.1, Compare checks if voltage < 11.1, and the result triggers (or not) the GCS Text message.