[beta] Structured Data Object (create tree structures with data)

LB · August 31, 2012 at 2:39 AM

This object allows you to create tree structures with data (named strings and numbers) at each point in the tree.

The object maintains a bunch of nodes, where each node contains:

A constant, unique ID
Named references to other nodes
Named integers
Named floats
Named strings

You navigate to individual nodes and view/modify them, similar to selecting peers and channels in Lacewing. Because the design allows for recursive structures, iteration and saving/loading is by ID.

Latest beta version always available here: Please login to see this link.
GitHub: Please login to see this link.

I'd like input on the design and terminology as well as bug reports.

Enjoy!

netninja · September 2, 2012 at 3:49 PM

Sounds like a fantastic extension!

The ability to have nodes with references to other nodes sounds great and should allow some nice complex data structures.

Will give it a go.

Phi · September 3, 2012 at 9:18 AM

I assumed Format object would be capable of this...

netninja · September 3, 2012 at 10:05 AM

I think there needs to be an expression to get the number of nodes. Otherwise I can't really see a good way of generating node IDs.

Also, can you have loops among nodes? i.e. non-tree structured graphs?

LB · September 3, 2012 at 6:52 PM

Quote from Phi

I assumed Format object would be capable of this...

Format Object is for saving and loading simple file formats. Its support for nesting is only for the creation of formats.

Quote from netninja

I think there needs to be an expression to get the number of nodes. Otherwise I can't really see a good way of generating node IDs.

Node IDs are generated for you. Expressions to get the number of node references/integers/floats/strings will be in the next version since you refer to everything by its name.

Quote from netninja

Also, can you have loops among nodes? i.e. non-tree structured graphs?

Yes, that was the other goal of this object. This feature works already, it is just not obvious how to do it. I will make an obvious way to do it in the next version

Phi · September 9, 2012 at 2:19 PM

Okay, I have a plan for a program using this , but the hiccup is how to display the tree...

LB · September 10, 2012 at 10:41 PM

I am adding iterators as we type

Phi · September 13, 2012 at 2:25 PM

I mean working out the positions and sizes of the data boxes. There's got to be some formula like the one MS PowerPoint uses...

LB · September 13, 2012 at 10:51 PM

The Calculate Text Rect object?

Phi · September 14, 2012 at 4:38 AM

That'll help a bit actually, but how is the child position calculated with regards to the parent node? What if the child node grows wider?
I'd be happy to see a demonstration as you don't seem to see the issues that I see.

LB · September 14, 2012 at 1:48 PM

How are you imagining representing it? I thought you were just going to do it with the same style as the Tree Control object, but with ID references after you come across a node you've already explored (eg with recursive structures).

Phi · September 14, 2012 at 4:32 PM

Hmm... I was thinking more of a root node at top, extending down to children nodes. A sideways view is not the best when you have several items in that node to display, as that will make the nodes pretty tall.

LB · October 14, 2012 at 5:43 AM

Beta 2 is available via the link in the first post. I added iteration over all nodes, subnodes, and ints/floats/strings. It's not perfect but it should do for most general purpose stuff.

Note: the GitHib repository is now Please login to see this link. - I changed my username.

cgbartek · November 4, 2012 at 5:04 PM

I love this extension! This can definitely be the de-facto data storage object for MMF, and then I won't have to use AssArray anymore. Some suggestions:

1) Remove All option to clear the whole thing
2) XML/JSON/INI Import/Export (including a way to get/set the file data as a string so it can be used in conjunction with the GET object)
3) AES encryption/decryption of import/export
4) Port to other platforms

The big thing here would be JSON import/export as a string. This would be a massively, massively awesome thing to have for those of us building web connected applications.

LB · November 4, 2012 at 5:15 PM

Glad you like it! I'll put thsoe on the todo list.

BackStaged · July 9, 2013 at 4:01 PM

Any news on that stuff LB ?
Since I think this is potentially useful !!
Thanks for answer !

Tested on r257.12: I can add and use the object in my App but, just to you can know: there is no icon loaded for this object when added in frame BUT in Extension Chooser or property panel there is!)

LB · July 9, 2013 at 5:06 PM

I haven't had much time to work on anything unfortunately - preparing for college and then a family-forced vacation (where I might have some time to work on it).

BackStaged · July 10, 2013 at 2:46 PM

Ah, so there is no time yet, but it is not planned to undiscontinue that most-wanted object
Great news.

And thanks for your answer! Have a good day!

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