Hi Inkscapers,
Re: the earlier discussion I've checked in my first attempt at code to perform auto layout on a connector network. This raises some discussion points:
1) It depends on the boost graph library (libboost-graph-dev debian package). - Note, this is a compile-time dependency only as this library is header only. - I've added a rule to configure.am that checks if these headers are installed and if not, the boost dependent layout code is #ifdefed away. So inkscape compiles regardless of whether you have boost installed. - A warning message is printed to stdout if the layout is initiated and inkscape is compiled without boost
2) You'll see a new button in the align-and-distribute dialog (ctrl-shift-a) - I made the icon very quickly... anyone with an eye for graphic design is welcome to redo it. - Maybe this button should be invisible if inkscape is compiled without boost?
Anyway, to try it out... currently you just need to install the boost graph library, then svn up and make. Run inkscape and create a little network of rectangles linked by connectors. Select all, then hit the afore mentioned button.
Thanks go to Peter Moulder and Michael Wybrow for their help on this.
I'm going to be doing a lot more work on this... all feedback welcome!
Tim