Task Dependency

A task dependency, also called a task link or precedence relationship, defines the sequence between two tasks in a project schedule. It specifies which task must happen first and under what condition the second task can begin or end. Dependencies drive the entire network of a project schedule and are the foundation of critical path calculations — without them, the scheduler has no basis for determining what can happen in parallel and what must wait.

The Four Dependency Types

Finish-to-Start (FS) — Task B cannot start until Task A finishes. This is the most common type. "Design must finish before Development starts."

Finish-to-Finish (FF) — Task B cannot finish until Task A finishes. Both tasks end at the same time or within a defined lag. "Documentation cannot finish until coding finishes."

Start-to-Start (SS) — Task B cannot start until Task A starts. Both tasks begin together or within a defined lag. "Testing can start once Development starts, but not before."

Start-to-Finish (SF) — Task B cannot finish until Task A starts. This is rare, used in shift handovers and just-in-time scenarios where a new process must be initiated before the old one can close.

Lag and Lead Time

A lag is a delay added to a dependency. On a Finish-to-Start link, a 3-day lag means Task B can start 3 days after Task A finishes. Lag extends the time between the two tasks.

A lead (sometimes expressed as negative lag) is an overlap. A 2-day lead on a Finish-to-Start link means Task B can start 2 days before Task A finishes. Lead compresses the schedule by allowing parallel work between tasks that are still technically sequential.

Task Dependencies in Maverick

Maverick supports all four dependency types with lag and lead on every link. Dependency arrows are drawn on the Gantt chart between connected task bars, making the schedule network visible at a glance. For a complete reference of all dependency options including link type colors and cascading date behavior, see: Task Link Relationships.

Related Terms

Critical Path  ·  Float  ·  Gantt Chart  ·  Milestone  ·  Work Breakdown Structure