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Visualize dependencies in the network editor
You can visualize parameter references from one node to another (for example, an expression using ch to get the value of a parameter on another node) in the network editor. This can be useful to understand dependencies and look for external references when trying to create a self-contained asset.
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Show dependencies for all nodes |
In the network editor, choose View ▸ Dependency links: for all nodes. |
Show dependencies only when nodes are selected |
In the network editor, choose View ▸ Dependency links: for selected nodes. |
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References to other nodes in the same network appear as pinkish-brown lines connecting nodes. Reference lines to a node enter the node on the left. Reference lines from a node leave from the right side of the node.
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References to nodes in other networks appear as clickable indicators showing incoming and outgoing reference counts. Click one of the indicators to open a menu that lets you jump to the referenced/referencing nodes.
Get a list of dependencies for a node
Right-click a node in the network editor and choose View dependencies.
The window shows which parameters of the target are used by other nodes, and which parameters use values from other nodes.
Use the View menu to choose whether to list parameters that depend on this node (Dependents) or references to other node in this node’s parameters (References).
Houdini color-codes the parameter name in the dialog:
Black (normal)
The parameter is referenced/dependent.
Grey
Ambiguous. The parameter may be dependent, but the dependency checking isn’t fine-grained enough to tell for sure. For example, dependency checking works at the parameter level, so Houdini might see a dependency on the Translate parameter, but not know if the dependency is in tx, ty, or tz (or all three).
Red
Circular reference. This node references a parameter on another node, and that node references this node.
Yellow
Ambiguous circular reference.