= Managing dependencies =

"""Tools for revealing dependencies between nodes."""

== Get a list of dependencies on 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.

== Show dependencies as visible links in the network editor ==

# In the network editor, press ((D)) to open the display options (or right-click the background and choose __Viewing controls > Display options__).

# Click the __Network view/Dependency__ tab.

# Use the checkboxes to make various dependencies visible in the network editor.