Glossary of Graph Toolkit

A

Asset subgraph

A subgraph serialized as its own independent asset file. Asset subgraphs are reusable across multiple graphs. A change made to the asset subgraph propagate to all its instances.

B

Blackboard

A panel that displays and manages variables available for use in the graph. Users can create, edit, delete, organize variables and drag them directly into the graph canvas for immediate use.

Block node

A special type of node usable only inside a context node. Block nodes can't exist on their own in the graph.

Breadcrumbs

A navigation aid that shows where you're in the graph hierarchy. It gives you a direct access to jump to parent or child graphs.

C

Canvas

The main area of the graph editor window where users can add and manipulate nodes, wires, and other graph elements.

Connector

The interactive element of a port that serves as the attachment point for starting or ending a wire connection.

Context node

A specialized node that serves as a dynamic container for compatible block nodes.

Constant node

A specialized node that outputs a fixed value of a specific data type. You can convert constant nodes to variable node.

F

Framework

A reusable collection of pre-built components, tools, and architecture patterns for building application. Unlike a simple library of functions, a framework defines how components interact and allows the execution of your custom code via specific extension points.

G

Graph

A collection of nodes linked together by wires.

Graph editor window

The Unity Editor window that contains the canvas, the blackboard, the minimap, the graph inspector and the toolbars.

Graph inspector

A panel that provides detailed information about the selected graph elements, such as nodes, wires, placemats or sticky notes. When you select nothing, it shows the properties of the graph itself.

Graph item library

A catalog of graph elements (nodes, variables, etc.) that you can add to the current graph based on context. The term also refers to the user interface that allows browsing, searching, and inserting these items directly into the canvas or in the blackboard.

Graph pull model

An execution model where a request for data or execution originates from a graph's output, and nodes retrieve inputs from their predecessors as needed to fulfill the request.

Graph push model

An execution model where nodes actively process data and send outputs to connected nodes, propagating data from inputs to a final output.

I

Input port

A port on a node you can connect to output ports using wires.

Input Port field

An editor component that provides direct value editing for an input port. This field becomes unavailable when the port is connected to an output via a wire.

Input/Output variable kind

A category of variables. A variable of this kind represents data that are accessible outside the graph such as subgraphs node ports, shader properties or component fields. Input variables read data from external elements, while output variables write data back to external elements. Variable with input/output variable kind feature color indicators (left for input, right for output) to denote their I/O status.

L

Local subgraph

A subgraph that's serialized directly within its parent graph. Each local subgraph is a unique instance. Changes to one local subgraph don't affect other local subgraphs, even if you duplicated them from the same source.

Local variable kind

A category of variables. A variable of this kind is defined and serialized within the current graph, and you can only access from within this graph.

M

Minimap

A small overview of the entire graph, providing an alternative way to navigate and visualize the graph's structure.

N

Node

A fundamental building block of a graph. It represents a specific operation or piece of logic in the graph. Nodes have options and ports that you can connect to each other via wires.

Node header

High-level information to help users quickly identify the node like the title, a subtitle or category, a color and an icon.

Node option

A typed property of a node that can't receive values from other graph elements via wires, unlike ports. Node options typically control structural or functional aspects of the node, or serve as global settings for the node's behavior.

O

Output port

A port on a node that you can connect to input ports using wires.

P

Placemat

A visual background element that you can use to organize graph elements such as nodes or sticky notes in a graph. You can use it to show related elements, provide context, or improve the visual layout of the graph.

Port

A connection point on a node. You can connect ports with wires to establish relationships between nodes. A port can be either an input port or an output port. Ports are type-specific and you can only connect them to compatible ports or variables of the same type.

Portal

A connection point that works in pairs and replace visible wires with wireless pathways to reduce visual clutter. They respect the same constraints as the wires they replace.

Port name

A text description of the port.

S

Sticky note

A visual element you can use to add comments or annotations to a graph.

Subgraph

A graph that's nested within another graph, allowing for organization and reusability of graph logic. A subgraph can exist either as a Local subgraph or as a separate asset subgraph.

Subgraph Node

A specialized node that references a subgraph and exposes its input and output variables as ports.

T

Toolbar

A customizable panel that provides direct access to common actions in the graph editor window through button controls. Implemented using Unity's overlay system.

Toolbar button

A button in the toolbar that performs a specific action in the graph editor window.

V

Variable

A data container accessible throughout a graph. Each variable has a name, type, and value. Variables appear in the blackboard and are represented as variable nodes when placed in a graph. All variables belong to either local variable kind or input/output variable kind.

Variable node

A specialized node that references a variable and produces its value as output. Compatible with conversion to constant nodes.

W

Wire

A line that creates a connection between nodes. Usually referred to as arcs or directed edges in Graph theory.