Mermaid: A Better Way to Version Diagrams

I recently joined a software team that used draw.io to create diagrams. The team was having trouble versioning their diagrams in git because draw.io diagrams are not text-based and cannot be easily committed to a repository. I suggested Mermaid as a better alternative to draw.io.

Mermaid is a tool that allows you to create diagrams and visualizations of your code. It is a popular tool among software developers because it can be used to represent a wide variety of code structures, including:

Class diagrams
Sequence diagrams
State diagrams
Flowcharts
Mind maps

Mermaid diagrams are easy to create and can be embedded in documentation, README files, and other text-based documents. They can also be exported to a variety of formats, including PNG, SVG, and PDF.

One of the benefits of using Mermaid is that it is text-based. This makes it easy to version Mermaid diagrams in git. Mermaid diagrams can be committed to a repository just like any other text file. This makes it easy to track changes to diagrams and to collaborate with others on diagramming projects.

I presented the team with the following benefits of using Mermaid:

Increased readability: Mermaid diagrams make it easier to understand complex code structures.
Improved communication: Mermaid diagrams can be used to communicate code to non-technical stakeholders.
Reduced errors: Mermaid diagrams can help you to identify and fix errors in your code.
Increased productivity: Mermaid diagrams can help you to save time by automating the process of creating documentation.
The team was convinced of the benefits of using Mermaid and decided to switch from draw.io to Mermaid. The team has been using Mermaid for several months now and has been very happy with the results. Mermaid has made it easy for the team to version their diagrams, collaborate on diagramming projects, and communicate code to non-technical stakeholders.

If you are looking for a better way to version diagrams, I recommend Mermaid. Mermaid is a powerful tool that can help you to improve the readability, communication, and productivity of your diagrams.

Here are some additional tips for beginners who are new to Mermaid:

The Mermaid syntax can be a bit daunting at first, but there are many resources available to help you learn it.
Once you have learned the basics, you can start creating your own Mermaid diagrams.
There are many examples of Mermaid diagrams available online, which can help you get started.
Mermaid is a powerful tool, but it is important to use it wisely. Make sure that your diagrams are clear and easy to understand.

I hope this helps!