Task Dependencies

Dependencies let you define relationships between tasks, showing which tasks block others or must be completed first. Visualize your workflow and identify critical paths.

What are Dependencies?

Dependencies are links between tasks that define their relationship. When Task A blocks Task B, it means Task B cannot start or complete until Task A is done.

Dependency Types

Type	Icon	Meaning
Blocks	→	This task prevents another task from progressing
Depends On	←	This task cannot progress until another task is done
Related	🔗	Tasks are related but don't block each other

Blocks vs Depends On

These are inverse relationships:

• •If Task A blocks Task B, then Task B depends on Task A
• •The direction matters for understanding the workflow

Example:

• •"Design mockups" blocks "Implement UI"
• •"Implement UI" depends on "Design mockups"

Adding Dependencies

1. 1.Open a task by clicking on it
2. 2.Scroll to the Dependencies section
3. 3.Click + Add button
4. 4.Select the dependency type (Blocks, Depends On, Related)
5. 5.Search for and select the target task
6. 6.Click Add Dependency

Note: A task cannot depend on itself—the system prevents circular dependencies.

Circular Dependency Warning

When adding a dependency that would create a circular chain (A → B → C → A), you'll see a warning:

⚠️ Circular dependency detected

The system shows the chain that would be created and asks for confirmation. Circular dependencies are allowed but may indicate a workflow issue.

Viewing Dependencies

In Task Modal

The Dependencies section shows:

• •Red (Blocks): Tasks this task is blocking
• •Amber (Depends On): Tasks this task depends on
• •Blue (Related): Related tasks without blocking relationship

Each dependency shows:

• •Task number and title
• •Current status badge (To Do, In Progress, etc.)
• •Delete button to remove the dependency

In Timeline View

Dependencies appear as arrows between tasks in the Gantt chart:

• •Arrows point from blocker to blocked task
• •Color indicates dependency type
• •Helps visualize the critical path

In Canvas View

The Canvas view shows dependencies as connectable edges:

• •Drag from one task node to another to create dependencies
• •Visual flow shows the entire dependency graph

Managing Dependencies

Removing Dependencies

1. 1.Open the task with the dependency
2. 2.Find the dependency in the list
3. 3.Click the trash icon
4. 4.Confirm deletion

Editing Dependencies

To change a dependency type, remove the existing one and add a new dependency with the correct type.

Best Practices

When to Use Each Type

Type	Use When
Blocks	Work literally cannot start without this task
Depends On	This task needs input from another task
Related	Tasks share context but can proceed independently

Tips

1. 1.Keep it simple — Only add dependencies that truly block work
2. 2.Review regularly — Remove dependencies when they're no longer relevant
3. 3.Use for planning — Dependencies help identify what to work on next
4. 4.Avoid long chains — Deep dependency chains can indicate over-planning

Critical Path

When you have multiple dependencies, the critical path is the longest chain of dependent tasks. This determines the minimum time to complete the project.

The Timeline view highlights the critical path, helping you focus on tasks that directly impact the deadline.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
Escape	Close the add dependency modal

Related Features

• •Sub-Tasks — Break tasks into smaller steps
• •Task Management — Create and manage tasks
• •Timeline View — Visualize dependencies on Gantt chart