Route «portal» for node editor. Variable.
upd: I can say it is done, because named attributes do the same and even more. So no need of portals anymore.
Look at this node construction. And at red marks. I am using the same value/variable at 4 places. And it is not the end. There will be 3 places more. And the mess with routes. Also I am using one intermediate calculation in the few places, like (sqrt(Var/2+1)) and I forced to make few long routes or recalculate same value. First is bad for visual, second is bad for optimisation (am i wright? or Blender will optimize such things?)
Instead of it I suggest to use such portals, like variables in programming. Of course with ablility to show semitransparent editable routes between «portals». Something like second layer on the other side of circuit board.
UPD: I think, there should be ability to jump through portal back and forth. From context menu. As far there can be few outportals, there should be list of possible jumps. Input and output portals can be named, as any node or reroute.
Please vote, comment, suggest! LESS of MESS!
7 Comments
ShaderForge in Unity has this and it's a life saver
I can say it is done, because named attributes do the same and even more. So no need of portals anymore.
I disagree, named attributes might solve this for basic types. But what if I want to portal around geo? And I'd argue that even for basic types having the option to portal those around vs storing temporary attributes might be better in some cases.
such an old post with all upvotes and still waiting for this much needed feature.... really surprised something so flushed out in other programs and beneficial still hasn't been added. Ive up voted and also made a new post on the topic. I like the way you visualized it though, wish i did that in mine. I can only imagine how much this lack of variable results in spaghetti trees resulting in a lesser end result
Good news, now drivers avalable. Yep, it is still require to copy-paste four times (RGBA) but better than nothing, and it works! {attachment 33231640jpg}
Portals still desired.
Soo? What do we have now?
Nice variant — Values driven by other values inside node system. It is even more advanced than just portal.