This PR inverts the execution model -- from recursively calling nodes to
using a topological sort of the nodes. This change allows for
modification of the node graph during execution. This allows for two
major advantages:
1. The implementation of lazy evaluation in nodes. For example, if a
"Mix Images" node has a mix factor of exactly 0.0, the second image
input doesn't even need to be evaluated (and visa-versa if the mix
factor is 1.0).
2. Dynamic expansion of nodes. This allows for the creation of dynamic
"node groups". Specifically, custom nodes can return subgraphs that
replace the original node in the graph. This is an incredibly
powerful concept. Using this functionality, it was easy to
implement:
a. Components (a.k.a. node groups)
b. Flow control (i.e. while loops) via tail recursion
c. All-in-one nodes that replicate the WebUI functionality
d. and more
All of those were able to be implemented entirely via custom nodes,
so those features are *not* a part of this PR. (There are some
front-end changes that should occur before that functionality is
made widely available, particularly around variant sockets.)
The custom nodes associated with this PR can be found at:
https://github.com/BadCafeCode/execution-inversion-demo-comfyui
Note that some of them require that variant socket types ("*") be
enabled.
Jacob Segal