Link between objet in WBS

Question

Hi,

I use PlantUML for a lot of diagrams, either Use Case Diagram, C4 Diagram or WBS Diagram.

I miss a feature : I need to link WBS Object to another WBS Object (in another "column") with a colour-defined arrow.

Does this feature seem to be a great idea to someone else ?

Could this become real ?

Thanks

Comments

[Just for traceability], see also pseudo-similar request but for Mindmap here:

• https://forum.plantuml.net/10965/non-hierarchical-cross-links-in-mind-maps
• https://forum.plantuml.net/16038/mindmap-lines-over-the-hierarchy
• https://github.com/plantuml/plantuml/discussions/1043

Regards.

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Yes the need is quite similar.

A syntax similar could be nice, adding the stereotype.

* Test
** A topic
*** "common" as c1
** "Another topic" as t2
t2 ..> c1 <<foo>>

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Hey,

I have the same need on my side for wbs diagram. I would add that this additional link could be a circular arrow.

This would be a great Feature to add. The lack of this functionality is very painful as it has to be done after manually and in case of update of diagram, the links have to be done again manually.

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This feature received some upvotes and there's no news about it.

Is there a blocking trouble with this specific feature ?

Is there a way to help you with this feature ?

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You may want to add text to the lines as well

Answer 1

There are two issues in this request.

• The first one is the syntax.

Finding a nice syntax is not an easy task.
And once it has been set, it's difficult to change.

Your proposal is fine:

* Test
** A topic
*** "common" as c1
** "Another topic" as t2
t2 ..> c1 <<foo>>

We could also be creative, and propose something like:

* Test
** A topic
***(c1) "common"
**(t2) "Another topic"
t2 ..> c1 <<foo>>

What do you prefer?

• The second issue is the drawing itself.

Those additional links will not change the layout so those links will probably clash with existing nodes and regular links.
So the drawing will probably be not very nice.
Is this an acceptable limitation for you?

Comments

Hi,

For the syntax, I would apply the one that exists. I made an exemple using syntax seen with plantuml on other diagrams, but if you think the second syntax is better for any reason*, that's great for me.

The links will probably clash with existing nodes. And that's OK for me. The stereotype will allow me to specify the colour of each link, handling the readability despite the clash.

* And if you choose it, I would really appreciate that you explain why : human readability, ease to process, ... whatever it would be. Just because I'm curious.

Gilles

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About the syntax, the best option is to test both and to see which one is better.

So with last online version you can have this and this.

It's still an early version: no stereotype, color is hardcoded in red, no text on arrow.

However, any feedback will be appreciate :-)

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I like the AS syntax as this is kinda a non technical diagram type.

And yes, I think some issues with render would be ok.

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Hello,

I tried both and now, including <img:url> and both are OK. I was afraid that the first blocked this case, but it is not. First and Second. The second is more compact, with no " used.

The row are great, only the vertical one (if any) may be quite hard to read.

Thanks !

Answer 2

Last snapshot allows this (you can click on the image)

Comments

Wonderful ! I'll test it ASAP and be back.

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Hi

I am starting to use WBS, and in the manuals I can't find that kind of arrows.
I would like to know what are they used for. Any help in understanding better WBS and Plantuml use?

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This feature is under development: You won't find anything in the manual about it, everything is on this page. For the "arrow" feature. If you have some other questions, feel free to ask a bit more specifically.

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Hi Gilles.

What I wanted to know is the use of those arrows in the WBS diagram. What is their meaning?
Do they represent an order in the deliverables? Or any other thing?

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Hi,

I use WBS-like diagram as a represention for structured data, for many use such as System Engineering. The arrows are used to represent link between data of different type. The colour are useful to put a meaning on the link: for exemple, "implementation", "association", "representation", ... Think of the link between a requirement and function...

Let's imagine it as a detailed explicit view of this diagram :

Some elements will appear in the community doc very soon.

I don't use it for any order in deliverables.

---

There are some observed issues:

• How to link to the root node?
• How to link to a node themself?

See:

• https://forum.plantuml.net/17839/potential-bug-in-wbs

Regards.