Graph Diagram Lifecycle Transitions
Model entity lifecycle evolution in graph diagrams using active, planned, and deprecated states. Track succession with replaced-by and evolved-from edges, and visualise architectural change over time.
Graph diagrams support lifecycle tagging on individual nodes and edges, allowing you to model how entity structures evolve over time. Mark nodes as active, planned, or deprecated to show current state, intended additions, and elements being retired. Succession edges track the lineage between old and new entities.
What Lifecycle Tagging Shows
Lifecycle tags on graph elements communicate architectural intent at a glance:
Use Cases
Setting Lifecycle Status
Succession Tracking
Two edge types track the lineage between deprecated and replacement entities:
| Edge Type | Direction | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Replaced-by | Deprecated to Replacement | Forward pointer showing what takes over |
| Evolved-from | Replacement to Predecessor | Reverse pointer showing origin and lineage |
Bulk Deprecation
Multiple entities can be deprecated in a single operation:
Animated Presentations with Lifecycle States
Combine lifecycle tagging with animated presentations to walk stakeholders through the evolution story:
Governance Reports
Two reports support lifecycle management in graph diagrams:
Storage
Lifecycle status is stored as a property on each node in the graph diagram JSON file. Succession edges (replaced-by, evolved-from) are stored in the edges array. No additional files or directories are required.