After reading this section, you will understand what we mean by a layout context.

The Tensegrity Graph API uses various layout engines which we described in the previous sections. We call these engines “controllers” and they are realized by classes that implement the LayoutController interface. The type of layout, however, is implemented by any class that implements the Layout interface. Layouts are classes that position visual objects according to some conceptual model. Such models include hierarchies, trees and others with names that sound rather abstract.

Each Layout object, therefore, represents a specific layout model or type. Moreover, it can be configured with parameters that affect the exact manner in which the specific Layout is conducted.

We call this layout type configuration a “Layout Context” for short. The context is nothing more than a number of attributes that parameterize the type. A list of all configuration possibilities can be found in the Layout chapter inside the Framework Manual. We urge you to read that chapter when you have a need to customize a particular layout from our framework.