Diagramming – Bits 'n Bytes

Other Uses for PlantUML

November 28, 2021November 30, 2021Matt HayesLeave a comment

I like PlantUML and the whole diagrams-as-code ethos, where diagrams auto-generate from source code in the same repo.

Sure, the way PlantUML lays out objects and lines in free-form diagrams is arcane – try drawing anything beyond a few components, and you’ll end up in a pitched battle with the layout engine, resulting in a mediocre diagram in a state where you’re afraid to make changes, lest the lines and placement go all wonky (again).

Thankfully, things are better when using PlantUML to produce opinionated diagram types, where the layout rules are predetermined, such as sequence diagrams, mind maps etc.

I got to thinking – could I use PlantUML in the workplace, outside traditional architecture/code documentation, to help visualise other things? Only one thing for it – give it a go…

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Diagrams with C4 Model

May 10, 2020May 12, 2020Matt HayesLeave a comment

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This post is for everyone who draws computer pictures for a living…

The genesis for this post came from a comment on the diagrams-as-code post (via LinkedIn) that called out the C4 Model[1]:

I hadn’t heard of C4 Model before so I decided to check it out. A first look at the C4 Model web site piqued my interest – Continue reading →

Diagrams as Code (PlantUML)

August 17, 2019May 10, 2020Matt Hayes2 Comments

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Is a picture really worth a thousand words? What if that picture was a diagram?

A colleague recently introduced me to Diagrams as Code, using PlantUML, and in this post we explore the concept of diagrams-as-code, and how to use PlantUML.

Diagram Methods

Let’s start with some background. Diagrams should engage their audience, informing them and encouraging collaboration. Understanding the knowledge and needs of your audience is critical to creating a successful diagram.

We adjust the diagram to suit the audience, using different views of people / process / technology to inform and engage them. Often, we will draw multiple views of the same system to suit the needs of different audiences, as per Figure 1.

Multiple Views of the Same System