[GSoC] GRC UI Improvements: Sub-flowgraphs and Mini-map Prototype – Request for Feedback

Hello GNU Radio community,

I hope you are doing well.

My name is Surya, I am an Msc student in electronics and I have been working on improving the GNU Radio Companion (GRC) user interface and would like to get feedback on two features I have prototyped so far.

1. Sub-flowgraph System

• Enables creation of reusable sub-flowgraphs within GRC

• The sub-flowgraph data is embedded directly into the .grc file

• Maintains portability (can be shared across systems without external dependencies)

• Backward compatibility is preserved (just an additional block appears even if grc is old)

• Allows:

  • Opening sub-flowgraphs in a separate view for viewing

  • Create and pop subflowgraph blocks, name and comment them

  • Enable/Disable/Bypass functionalities added

2. Mini-map Navigation

• Provides a full overview of the flowgraph

• Highlights the currently visible region in the editor

• Supports:

  • Click-to-navigate

  • Drag-based navigation

  • Automatic resizing based on graph size

  • Highlights selected blocks

Both features are currently implemented as working prototypes in GTK and Implementation in QT is happening.

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Context

I am exploring these ideas in the context of contributing to GNU Radio, potentially as a GSoC project. Before proceeding further, I wanted to ensure alignment with the project's direction and design expectations.

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Questions

• Would these features be suitable for integration into GRC?

• Are there existing efforts or design discussions related to sub-flowgraphs or navigation improvements that I should align with?

• What would be the recommended next step:

  • refining the prototype,

  • adapting it to GRC's architecture,

  • or opening a draft PR for discussion?

I have attached this is a demo video of subflowgraph and minimap. I would love to complete this as part of GSOC.Since this idea is not listed in the idea list, I am looking for mentors.I have adhered to maintain the code style mentioned in the contributors document of gnuradio. If someone wants to take a look at the code the link is: github link

In case if the attachment is not added here are the link to the videos:
1. minimap demo
2. subflowgraph demo

Thank you for your time and for maintaining such a valuable project. 73!

Best regards,
Suryasaradhi