drawterm

Drawterm is a command-line utility designed for creating simple diagrams and flowcharts directly from text-based descriptions. It interprets a specialized syntax to generate graphical representations of processes, relationships, and structures. The primary goal of drawterm is to enable users to quickly visualize concepts without the need for complex graphical software.

The syntax used by drawterm is straightforward and focuses on defining nodes and their connections. Users can specify labels for nodes and use arrows or other connectors to indicate relationships between them. The tool supports various types of connections, such as directed, undirected, and conditional links, allowing for the representation of different logical flows. It also offers basic customization options for node shapes and colors, enabling users to tailor the visual appearance of their diagrams to some extent.

Drawterm is particularly useful for developers, system administrators, and technical writers who need to document code logic, system architectures, or workflow processes. By embedding diagram definitions within documentation or code comments, users can ensure that their visualizations remain synchronized with the underlying content. The output of drawterm can typically be exported in common image formats, such as PNG or SVG, making it easy to integrate the generated diagrams into reports, presentations, or web pages. The tool aims to streamline the diagramming process, making it accessible to users who are more comfortable with text-based environments.