Cycle detection

Because dependencies form a graph, it is possible to create a loop — A derives from B, which derives from A. Easy Forms detects this.

Development-time detection

In development, the engine runs a depth-first search over the dependency graph (using composite node keys like field:x and group:y). If it finds a cycle, it throws with the cycle path so you can see exactly which fields are involved.

DependencyCycleError: total → subtotal → total

Fixing a cycle

A cycle usually means two fields are trying to derive from each other. Break it by:

• Making one field the source of truth and the other purely derived (valueDependsOn in one direction only).
• Introducing an intermediate, user-editable field.
• Using propsDependsOn (display) instead of valueDependsOn (value) where you don't actually need to write a value.

Production

Cycle detection is a development aid. Author your schema so the graph is acyclic — the detector exists to catch mistakes early, not to be relied on at runtime.