Flowchart in JSL

Question

Hi,

I'd like to draw a flowchart in JSL (cf. attachment) using a From/To table. A bit like Visio.

I've tried the Diagram option but the Cause/Effect fishbone doesn't give the same thing.

Do you know if it's possible?

Thank you

Screenshot 2025-07-02 173658.png

LauraCS · Answer

The SEM platform can build highly customizable path diagrams but it won't allow you to include content inside the nodes beyond a label (which comes from a column name in the data table). Indeed, because the diagram is application specific, the nodes aren't designed to fit a lot of content.

You can try running the JSL below to see it for yourself. As a side note, you can specify the diagram interactively using From/To lists if you just run the first two lines of the script. You'll be able to connect nodes with double-headed arrows and can use the context menu in the diagram to find the "Customize Diagram..." menu.

// Create data for use in the structural equation models platform
mat = J(50, 7, Random Normal());
As Table(mat, << Column Names({"A", "B", "C1", "C2", "C3", "C4", "D"})) << Set Name("Flow Chart");

// Launch SEM and specify diagram
obj = Structural Equation Models(Model Variables(1::7));
obj << Model Specification(
	Regressions( // lists follow "from-to" convention
		{:A,{:B}},
		{:B, {:C1, :C2, :C3, :C4}},
		{:C1, {:B}},
		{:C2, {:B}},
		{:C3, {:B}},
		{:C4, {:D}},
		{:D, {:C4, :A}}
	),
	Path Diagram Properties(
		Manifest Shape({Width(70), Height(40)}),
		Layout("Top to Bottom")
	)
);

You can get a quick overview of what the SEM platform is meant to do here:

https://www.jmp.com/en/statistics-knowledge-portal/structural-equation-modeling

HTH,

~Laura

Craige_Hales · Answer

GraphBuilder Powers for Fishbone/hierarchical Diagram Platform  seems to be accumulating these requests; it would be great if you could elaborate on your need there.

* a platform solution?
* scriptable with JSL?
* what sort of input drives it?
* run it again with new data and automatically lay out the nodes and connections?

@MathStatChem points out there is a need for more than the simple acyclic fishbone graphs, such as the one you show with loops.  @LauraCS  might have some insight here as well; Structural Equation Modeling: The arrival of a powerful new framework in JMP Pro 15 has a diagram which I think can include loops, though it is application specific.