Stories with Tag Diagrams

• Ask HN: What do you use to create diagrams?

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  Posted: 2025-03-12 14:14:32

  Verbose tl;dr

  The original poster is seeking recommendations for diagram creation tools, specifically for software architecture diagrams and other technical illustrations. They desire a tool that balances ease of use with the ability to produce visually appealing and professional results. They're open to both cloud-based and locally installed options, and ideally the tool would support exporting to standard formats like SVG or PNG. The poster's current workflow involves using PlantUML but finds it cumbersome for creating presentable diagrams, prompting their search for a more user-friendly alternative.

  The Hacker News post titled "Ask HN: What do you use to create diagrams?" poses a question to the community regarding their preferred tools and methods for diagram creation. The author seeks recommendations for software or other resources suitable for generating various types of diagrams, expressing a particular interest in tools that excel at producing visually appealing and readily understandable diagrams. They implicitly suggest a desire for tools that might streamline the diagramming process, making it efficient and perhaps even enjoyable. The nature of the diagrams sought is left open-ended, implying an interest in tools with versatility and broad application, potentially encompassing flowcharts, network diagrams, system architectures, mind maps, or other visual representations of information. The author's focus on aesthetics and clarity suggests a need for tools that facilitate the creation of diagrams that are not only informative but also effectively communicate complex ideas in a visually compelling manner. This open-ended inquiry invites community members to share their experiences and insights regarding the diverse landscape of diagramming tools available, encompassing both established software and potentially lesser-known but powerful alternatives. The author's underlying goal is to discover the optimal tools for crafting clear and aesthetically pleasing diagrams, presumably to enhance communication and understanding in their own work or projects.

  • Diagrams
  • diagram creation
  • diagram software
  • Visualization
  • visual tools
  • drawing tools
  • software recommendations
  • Ask HN
  • Hacker News

  Summary of Comments ( 14 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43343473

  Verbose tl;dr

  The Hacker News comments discuss a variety of diagramming tools, ranging from simple and free options like Excalidraw, PlantUML, and Draw.io to more powerful and specialized tools like Mermaid, Graphviz, and OmniGraffle. Many commenters emphasize the importance of choosing a tool based on the specific use case, considering factors like ease of use, collaboration features, output formats, and cost. Several users advocate for text-based diagramming tools for their version control friendliness, while others prefer visual tools for their intuitive interfaces. The discussion also touches on specific needs like network diagrams, sequence diagrams, and flowcharts, with recommendations for tools tailored to each. Some comments highlight the benefits of cloud-based vs. locally installed tools, and the tradeoffs between simplicity and feature richness.

  The Hacker News post "Ask HN: What do you use to create diagrams?" generated a robust discussion with a variety of suggestions for diagramming tools. Several commenters emphasized the importance of choosing a tool based on the specific type of diagram needed, as different tools excel in different areas.

  One recurring theme was the popularity of Excalidraw for its simplicity and ease of use, especially for quick sketches and informal diagrams. Commenters praised its hand-drawn aesthetic and collaborative features. A few users specifically mentioned using Excalidraw for sketching out system architectures and UI mockups. Related to this, some users suggested tools like PlantUML and Mermaid, which allow for generating diagrams from text-based descriptions, a useful feature for version control and dynamic updates.

  Another popular category of tools were those focusing on more polished and professional diagrams, such as draw.io (now diagrams.net), Lucidchart, and Miro. These were often recommended for situations requiring more formal presentations or complex visualizations. Some comments highlighted specific features, like draw.io's offline capabilities and integration with Google Drive, and Miro's collaborative features.

  Several niche tools were also mentioned, catering to specific needs. For example, Graphviz was recommended for visualizing graphs and networks, while Omnigraffle received praise for its precision and power, albeit at a higher price point. Other suggestions included specialized tools for specific domains like infrastructure diagrams (Cloudcraft, Terraform) or network diagrams.

  A few comments focused on the process of diagram creation rather than specific tools. One commenter emphasized the importance of starting with pen and paper before moving to digital tools, while another suggested considering the target audience and the purpose of the diagram when choosing a tool.

  The discussion also touched on the challenges of maintaining and updating diagrams, with some commenters lamenting the tendency for diagrams to become outdated. This reinforces the earlier points about choosing tools that integrate well with existing workflows and allow for easy updates.

  Overall, the comments section provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse landscape of diagramming tools, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each and offering practical advice for choosing the right tool for the job. The discussion emphasizes that the best tool depends heavily on the specific context, including the type of diagram, the intended audience, and the user's personal preferences.

• Common mistakes in architecture diagrams (2020)

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  Posted: 2025-02-09 13:29:01

  Verbose tl;dr

  The blog post "Common mistakes in architecture diagrams (2020)" identifies several pitfalls that make diagrams ineffective. These include using inconsistent notation and terminology, lacking clarity on the intended audience and purpose, including excessive detail that obscures the key message, neglecting important elements, and poor visual layout. The post emphasizes the importance of using the right level of abstraction for the intended audience, focusing on the key message the diagram needs to convey, and employing clear, consistent visuals. It advocates for treating diagrams as living documents that evolve with the architecture, and suggests focusing on the "why" behind architectural decisions to create more insightful and valuable diagrams.

  The blog post "Common Mistakes in Architecture Diagrams (2020)" from Ilograph emphasizes the importance of clear and effective communication in architectural diagrams, highlighting several common pitfalls that hinder comprehension and ultimately diminish their value. The post argues that while diagrams are crucial for conveying complex system designs, poorly constructed diagrams can be worse than having no diagrams at all, leading to confusion, misinterpretations, and ultimately hindering project success.

  The authors categorize these common mistakes into several key areas:

  1. Lack of Clarity and Purpose: The post stresses the necessity of a well-defined purpose for every diagram. Diagrams should answer specific questions and cater to a particular audience. Without a clear objective, diagrams risk becoming cluttered and confusing, failing to convey any meaningful information. This lack of clarity often manifests in ambiguous or missing labels, inconsistent use of shapes and colors, and a general lack of visual hierarchy.

  2. Excessive Detail: The post cautions against overwhelming the audience with unnecessary details. Including every single component or interaction can obscure the overall architecture and make the diagram difficult to understand. The authors advocate for a level of abstraction appropriate to the intended audience and the specific purpose of the diagram. This involves selectively choosing which elements to include and which to omit, focusing on the most relevant aspects of the system.

  3. Inconsistent Notation and Style: Consistency is paramount for readability. Using different shapes, colors, or line styles for the same type of component across different diagrams (or even within the same diagram) creates confusion and makes it harder to interpret the information. The post recommends establishing a clear visual language and adhering to it rigorously. This includes using a consistent legend or key to explain the meaning of different visual elements.

  4. Ignoring the Audience: The post highlights the importance of tailoring diagrams to the specific knowledge and needs of the target audience. A diagram designed for a technical audience will likely differ significantly from one intended for business stakeholders. Understanding the audience's familiarity with the system and their specific information needs is crucial for creating effective and relevant diagrams.

  5. Neglecting Aesthetics: While not the primary focus, the post acknowledges the importance of visual appeal. A well-designed diagram is not only easier to understand but also more engaging and persuasive. This involves paying attention to layout, spacing, color choices, and overall visual balance. A cluttered and visually unappealing diagram can detract from the message and make it less likely to be effectively communicated.

  6. Using the Wrong Diagram Type: Different types of diagrams are suited for different purposes. The post briefly touches upon the importance of choosing the right diagram type, whether it's a network diagram, a deployment diagram, a component diagram, or another type, to effectively convey the intended information. Using the wrong type of diagram can lead to misinterpretations and obscure the relevant aspects of the architecture.

  In conclusion, the Ilograph post emphasizes the crucial role of clear, concise, and well-designed architecture diagrams in successful software development. By avoiding these common mistakes, architects and developers can ensure that their diagrams effectively communicate complex system designs and facilitate better understanding among stakeholders. The post advocates for a thoughtful and purposeful approach to diagram creation, emphasizing clarity, consistency, and audience awareness as key principles for effective visual communication.

  • Architecture
  • Diagrams
  • Software Architecture
  • System Design
  • design
  • Visualization
  • mistakes
  • best practices
  • common errors
  • Modeling
  • software engineering
  • Communication
  • technical documentation

  Summary of Comments ( 69 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42990546

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters largely agreed with the author's points on diagram clarity, with several sharing their own experiences and preferences. Some emphasized the importance of context and audience when choosing a diagram style, noting that highly detailed diagrams can be overwhelming for non-technical stakeholders. Others pointed out the value of iterative diagramming and feedback, suggesting sketching on a whiteboard first to get early input. A few commenters offered additional tips like using consistent notation, avoiding unnecessary jargon, and ensuring diagrams are easily searchable and accessible. There was some discussion on specific tools, with Excalidraw and PlantUML mentioned as popular choices. Finally, several people highlighted the importance of diagrams not just for communication, but also for facilitating thinking and problem-solving.

  The Hacker News post titled "Common mistakes in architecture diagrams (2020)" linking to an ilograph blog post has generated several comments discussing the merits and nuances of the original article.

  Several commenters agree with the author's points about the importance of clarity and conciseness in diagrams. One commenter highlights the crucial distinction between diagrams meant for different audiences, suggesting that a diagram for a technical audience would differ significantly from one for business stakeholders. They emphasize the need to tailor diagrams to the specific understanding and needs of the intended viewers.

  Another commenter expands on the idea of iterative diagram creation, advocating for starting with a simple sketch and progressively adding detail based on feedback and evolving understanding. This approach, they argue, prevents diagrams from becoming overly complex and ensures they remain relevant to the project's current state.

  The issue of diagram maintenance is also raised. One commenter points out the difficulty of keeping diagrams up-to-date and accurate as systems evolve. They suggest that the effort required to maintain complex diagrams often outweighs their benefits, leading to stale and misleading documentation. This leads to a discussion on tooling and automation, with some suggestions for tools that can generate diagrams automatically from code or configuration files.

  A contrasting viewpoint is offered by a commenter who suggests that sometimes, a purposefully incomplete or "messy" diagram can be valuable. They argue that such diagrams can spark conversations and uncover hidden assumptions or misunderstandings within a team. This perspective challenges the notion that all diagrams must be perfectly polished and complete.

  Furthermore, the discussion touches on the importance of consistent symbology and notation within diagrams. One commenter laments the lack of standardized symbols, noting that different teams and organizations often use different visual representations for the same concepts. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretations, particularly when collaborating across teams or companies. Another commenter suggests leveraging existing standards, such as those defined by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) when depicting cloud-native architectures.

  Several commenters also share their preferred diagramming tools and techniques, with mentions of tools like draw.io, Excalidraw, and PlantUML. This adds a practical dimension to the discussion, offering concrete suggestions for those looking to improve their diagramming practices.

  Finally, some commenters express skepticism about the value of diagrams altogether, arguing that well-written code and documentation can often be more effective than visual representations. While acknowledging the potential benefits of diagrams, they caution against over-reliance on them and emphasize the importance of clear and concise written communication.

• Show HN: Store and render ASCII diagrams in Obsidian

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  Posted: 2024-11-12 02:03:21

  Verbose tl;dr

  Obsidian-textgrams is a plugin that allows users to create and embed ASCII diagrams directly within their Obsidian notes. It leverages code blocks and a custom renderer to display the diagrams, offering features like syntax highlighting and the ability to store diagram source code within the note itself. This provides a convenient way to visualize information using simple text-based graphics within the Obsidian environment, eliminating the need for external image files or complex drawing tools.

  This GitHub project, titled "obsidian-textgrams," introduces a novel approach to managing and displaying ASCII diagrams within Obsidian, a popular note-taking and knowledge management application. The plugin specifically addresses the challenge of storing and rendering these text-based diagrams, which are often used for visualizations, technical illustrations, and quick sketches. Instead of relying on image embedding, which can be cumbersome and inflexible, obsidian-textgrams allows users to store these diagrams directly within their Markdown files as code blocks. This maintains the inherent portability and editability of plain text.

  The plugin leverages a custom code block language identifier, likely textgram or similar, to delineate these diagrams within the Markdown document. This allows Obsidian, with the plugin installed, to distinguish them from standard code blocks. Upon encountering a textgram code block, the plugin intercepts the rendering process. Instead of displaying the raw ASCII text, it parses the content and dynamically generates a visual representation of the diagram. This rendering is likely achieved using a JavaScript library capable of interpreting and visualizing ASCII characters as graphical elements, connecting lines, and forming shapes based on the provided input.

  This approach offers several advantages. Firstly, it keeps the diagrams within the text file itself, promoting version control friendliness and avoiding the need to manage separate image files. Secondly, it facilitates easier editing. Users can directly modify the ASCII text within the code block, and the rendered diagram will update accordingly, streamlining the iterative design process. Finally, this method likely preserves the semantic meaning of the diagram, as the underlying ASCII text remains accessible and searchable within Obsidian. This stands in contrast to raster image-based diagrams where the underlying information is lost in the pixel data. In essence, obsidian-textgrams transforms Obsidian into a more powerful tool for working with ASCII diagrams, offering a more integrated and streamlined workflow compared to traditional image-based approaches.

  • ASCII
  • Obsidian
  • Diagrams
  • Visualization
  • Text-based
  • Note-taking
  • markdown
  • Plugin
  • rendering
  • Storage
  • productivity
  • Software
  • Open Source
  • GitHub
  • Diagram
  • Text-Based Graphics
  • Software Development

  Summary of Comments ( 7 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42112168

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users generally expressed interest in the Obsidian Textgrams plugin, praising its lightweight approach compared to alternatives like Excalidraw or Mermaid. Some suggested improvements, including the ability to embed rendered diagrams as images for compatibility with other Markdown editors, and better text alignment within shapes. One commenter highlighted the usefulness for quickly mocking up system designs or diagrams, while another appreciated its simplicity for note-taking. The discussion also touched upon alternative tools like PlantUML and Graphviz, but the consensus leaned towards appreciating Textgrams' minimalist and fast rendering capabilities within Obsidian. A few users expressed interest in seeing support for more complex shapes and connections.

  The Hacker News post "Show HN: Store and render ASCII diagrams in Obsidian" at https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42112168 generated several comments discussing various aspects of the project.

  Several commenters appreciated the utility of the tool, particularly for quickly sketching out diagrams within Obsidian. One user pointed out the advantage of having diagrams rendered directly within the note-taking application, rather than relying on external tools or image uploads. They specifically mentioned the convenience this offers for quick brainstorming and idea capture. This sentiment was echoed by another user who highlighted the speed and ease of use compared to traditional diagramming software.

  The discussion also delved into the technical aspects of the project. One commenter inquired about the rendering process, specifically whether it was client-side or server-side. The project creator clarified that rendering is handled client-side using JavaScript within Obsidian. This prompted further discussion about potential performance implications for complex diagrams.

  The choice of using Mermaid.js for rendering was also a topic of conversation. One commenter suggested PlantUML as an alternative, praising its flexibility and extensive feature set. They also pointed out PlantUML's wider adoption and the availability of server-side rendering options. This led to a discussion about the trade-offs between different rendering engines, considering factors like ease of use, feature richness, and performance.

  Some commenters expressed interest in extending the plugin's functionality. One suggestion involved integrating with other Obsidian plugins, specifically those focused on graph visualization. Another user proposed adding support for other diagram formats beyond Mermaid.js, such as Graphviz.

  Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception of the project, with users acknowledging its practicality and potential for enhancing the Obsidian note-taking experience. The discussion also highlighted areas for potential improvement and expansion, including exploring alternative rendering engines and integrating with other Obsidian plugins. There was a definite interest in the technical aspects of implementation and a healthy discussion regarding the chosen technical stack as well as some alternatives.