> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.nextedy.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Scheduling Questions

> Common questions about scheduling, auto-scheduling, dependency links, and critical path analysis in Nextedy GANTT.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How does auto-scheduling work?">
    Auto-scheduling automatically updates the start date of dependent tasks based on the end dates of their predecessors. When you move a task or modify a dependency link, all connected successor tasks are rescheduled to satisfy the dependency constraints. You can toggle auto-scheduling on and off using the toolbar button. To set the default state, configure the `nextedy.gantt.default.auto_scheduling` project-level property. See [Create Your First Dependency Link](/gantt/getting-started/first-dependency) for a practical walkthrough.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I mix auto-scheduling and manual scheduling on the same chart?">
    Yes, you can use a combination of techniques to control scheduling at different levels. Set top-level items to `readonly` mode to prevent auto-scheduling from moving them, while allowing child tasks to reschedule automatically. You can also use the `enforceAutoMode` and `blockAutoMode` task-level flags to override the global auto-scheduling setting on individual tasks.

    <Tip title="Hierarchical scheduling strategy">
      For waterfall projects, pin milestone and top-level items using `blockAutoMode`, then let auto-scheduling handle lower-level task dependencies.
    </Tip>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does Gantt detect scheduling conflicts when multiple users edit simultaneously?">
    Gantt uses a last-save-wins approach for concurrent editing. There is no built-in real-time conflict detection between simultaneous users. When two users edit the same task, the most recently saved version takes effect. Plan your editing workflows to minimize overlapping changes on the same work items.

    <Warning title="Concurrent editing">
      Coordinate with your team to avoid editing the same tasks simultaneously. The last save always overwrites previous changes.
    </Warning>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do dependency links affect task scheduling?">
    Dependency links define finish-to-start relationships between tasks. When auto-scheduling is enabled, moving a predecessor task automatically pushes its successors forward. If a successor's start date is planned before its predecessor finishes, the Gantt chart highlights the conflict visually. You configure dependency link roles using the `dependsRoles` widget parameter.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What is critical path analysis?">
    Critical path analysis highlights the longest chain of dependent tasks in your project. Tasks on the critical path are visually marked in the Gantt chart so you can identify which tasks directly affect the project end date. Toggle critical path highlighting using the toolbar button. Critical path requires dependency links to be defined between tasks.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I add lag time to dependency links?">
    Yes, dependency links support lag time. Lag allows you to introduce a delay between the end of a predecessor task and the start of its successor. This is useful for modeling real-world delays such as review periods or material procurement lead times.

    <Info title="Verify in application">
      Configure lag values when creating or editing dependency links in the Gantt chart.
    </Info>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How does hour-precision scheduling work?">
    Hour-precision scheduling switches the Gantt from day-level to hour-and-minute-level task planning. When enabled via the `highPrecision` configuration, task start and end times include specific hours, enabling sub-day scheduling. This mode is required for accurate resource load calculations at hourly granularity. Note that date display in columns automatically adjusts when high-precision mode is active.

    The following table summarizes the key scheduling features and their configuration:

    | Feature               | Configuration                           | Description                                |
    | --------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
    | Auto-scheduling       | `nextedy.gantt.default.auto_scheduling` | Dependency-driven date recalculation       |
    | Critical path         | Toolbar toggle                          | Highlights longest dependency chain        |
    | Hour precision        | `highPrecision` widget parameter        | Sub-day scheduling with hours/minutes      |
    | Dependency links      | `dependsRoles` widget parameter         | Finish-to-start task relationships         |
    | Block auto-schedule   | `blockAutoMode` per task                | Pins individual tasks against auto changes |
    | Enforce auto-schedule | `enforceAutoMode` per task              | Forces auto-scheduling on individual tasks |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I sort tasks instead of manually reordering them?">
    The Gantt chart does not support manual drag-and-drop task reordering. Instead, use the sort-by-field functionality to order tasks by any configured column such as start date, priority, or work item ID. Configure the sort behavior through the widget parameters.

    <Info title="Verify in application">
      Task sorting is controlled through widget parameter configuration. Check the reference documentation for available sort options.
    </Info>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>