diagramtyper

Diagramtyper is a concept and toolchain for describing diagrams with strong typing. It separates the diagram specification from rendering, enabling automated validation and reproducible generation of visual representations.

The core is a strongly typed domain-specific language that models diagram elements such as nodes, edges, ports, and annotations. The type system enforces constraints like compatible connection kinds, mandatory attributes, and basic layout rules, allowing errors to be caught early. Diagramtyper is envisioned to support various diagram families, including flowcharts, sequence diagrams, component diagrams, and network diagrams.

A typical diagramtyper workflow compiles a typed description into an intermediate representation and then renders it via one or more backends. Renderers may target Graphviz DOT, PlantUML, Mermaid-compatible formats, or direct SVG output. Additional passes provide layout optimization, validation checks, and reusable diagram templates.

Status and usage: Diagramtyper remains a niche concept with no universally adopted implementation. It appears in scholarly discussions and experimental projects rather than mainstream tooling. Advocates emphasize improved correctness and automation; critics point to added complexity and a smaller ecosystem. See also Graphviz, PlantUML, Mermaid, diagram DSLs.