Are there any JavaScript or CSS libraries available for creating simple flow diagrams?

Other Questions JavaScript
1

I am looking to dynamically create basic flow diagrams on my web page. These diagrams would consist of a few boxes connected by lines, and I want users to be able to click on these boxes, which could be structured as DIVs, to redirect them to different pages. I want to avoid using Flash as it seems excessive for this task. Is there a client-side JavaScript or CSS library or method that could assist with this requirement?

2

To create simple flow diagrams on your web page using client-side JavaScript, I’d recommend the Simple SVG (SSVG) approach, which integrates well with HTML/CSS for dynamic flow diagrams.

Here’s how you can get started:

  1. Library Selection: Use a library like JointJS, which is straightforward for creating diagrams, handling user interactions, and routing actions through click events.

  2. Basic Example:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
    <title>Flow Diagram</title>
    <style>
        .box { cursor: pointer; }
    </style>
    <script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/jointjs/3.1.1/joint.min.js"></script>
</head>
<body>
    <div id="diagram"></div>
    <script>
        const graph = new joint.dia.Graph();
        const paper = new joint.dia.Paper({
            el: document.getElementById('diagram'),
            model: graph,
            width: 600,
            height: 400
        });

        const rectangle = new joint.shapes.standard.Rectangle();
        rectangle.position(100, 30);
        rectangle.resize(100, 40);
        rectangle.attr('root/title', 'Clickable Box');
        rectangle.addTo(graph);
        rectangle.on('pointerdown', () => {
            window.location.href = 'http://yourredirecturl.com';
        });
    </script>
</body>
</html>
  1. Explanation:
    • JointJS is used to draw and manage the flow diagram.
    • SVG Elements: Elements like rectangles can be drawn and resized dynamically.
    • Interactivity: Using mouse events like pointerdown to make boxes clickable and perform redirections.

This method avoids Flash, is lightweight, and allows full customization using HTML/CSS, keeping your page performant and easy to maintain.