The Base Class: IlvGraphLayout

The IlvGraphLayout class is the base class for all layout algorithms. This class is an abstract class and cannot be used directly. You must use one of its subclasses (IlvTreeLayout, IlvHierarchicalLayout, IlvOrthogonalLinkLayout, IlvRandomLayout, or IlvBusLayout). You can also create your own subclasses to implement other layout algorithms (see Defining a New Type of Layout ).

Despite the fact that only subclasses of IlvGraphLayout are directly used to obtain the layouts, it is still necessary to learn about this class because it contains methods that are inherited (or overridden) by the subclasses. And, of course, you will need to understand it if you subclass it yourself.

You can find more information about the class IlvGraphLayout in the sections:

• Basic Operations with IlvGraphLayoutBasic Operations with IlvGraphLayout tells you about the basic methods you need using the subclasses of IlvGraphLayout.

• Layout Parameters in IlvGraphLayout Layout Parameters in IlvGraphLayout contains the methods that are related to the customization of the layout algorithms.

• Using Layout Event Listeners Using Layout Event Listeners is an advanced feature that tells you about the layout event listener mechanism.

• Defining a New Type of Layout Defining a New Type of Layout is an advanced feature that tells you how to implement new subclasses.

For details on the IlvGraphLayout class, see the Views Graph Layout Reference Manual.