I am trying to create a type of mind mapping software that runs on the web, and I am trying to figure out where to start. I would like this to be able to be used by the most number of people possible. My web application is currently written using Javascript for the front end and C# for the back-end.
I was thinking of using Javascript for this. Unfortunately, the most experience I have with Javascript is with basic DOM manipulating using JQuery and cannot really figure out how I would create mind map bubbles with interactive elements inside of them.
There are one or two mind mapping jquery plugins I have found but all don’t function the way I need to (too much animation, slow, doesn’t look easy to add and remove elements easily, doesn’t work in IE, etc…) so I am looking at creating my own system but I have no idea how I would even approach this type of thing with JS.
HTML5 is not an option as it looks to be low availability at this point.
Raphaël in combination with the Dracula Graph Library will get you started.
Be prepared to do some scripting of your own. (for example: i quickly checked the source of the dracula graph library. The graph has no method removeNode, but it is really easy to add it )