PlantUML is an open-source tool that allows you to create various types of diagrams using a textual syntax. It provides a way to write diagrams as plain text and then generates the corresponding visual representations.
Diagram types include:
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UML Diagrams: Such as class diagrams, sequence diagrams, activity diagrams, use case diagrams, component diagrams, and more. These diagrams help in modeling software systems.
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Flowcharts: Such as shapes, arrows, decision points, and connectors to represent various elements.
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Network Diagrams: Depict the relationships between different nodes, devices, and connections in a network.
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Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs): Model database schemas and illustrate the relationships between entities and their attributes.
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Mind Maps: Organize and visualize hierarchical information or brainstorming sessions.
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Gantt Charts: Visualize project timelines, tasks, dependencies, and progress.
The PlantUML syntax is straightforward and uses a set of keywords and symbols to define the elements and relationships in the diagrams. You write the diagram description in a plain text file. PlantUML then processes the text file and generates the corresponding diagram in various formats, such as PNG, SVG, or PDF.