Mermaid

Mermaid

Mermaid is an open-source tool that allows you to create diagrams and visualizations using text and code. It is designed to integrate with documentation sites and wikis to add charts and graphs through a simple markdown-inspired script language. The key benefit is the ability to
Mermaid image
diagrams visualizations markdown

Mermaid: Create Diagrams with Text and Code

An open-source tool for generating complex diagrams and visualizations using text and code, integratable with documentation sites and wikis.

What is Mermaid?

Mermaid is an open-source visualization tool that allows users to create a variety of charts, diagrams, and visualizations using a simple text-based language. Some of the key benefits and capabilities of Mermaid include:

  • Text-based - No need to use cumbersome GUI diagram editors. Diagrams are defined using a markdown-inspired text language that is easy to write and understand.
  • Portable - Diagrams written in Mermaid text can be easily integrated into documentation sites, wikis, markdown files, and more.
  • Extensive library - Supports an array of diagram types including flowcharts, sequence diagrams, GANTT, state diagrams, pie charts, and more.
  • Customizable - Support for different themes and custom styling, markers, colors, and configuration.
  • Active ecosystem - Mermaid is written in Javascript and has an active developer community continually expanding capabilities.
  • Open source - Released under the MIT license allows for free use, modifications, and integration.

Overall, the simple text-based language, extensibility, free usage, and integration with various documentation platforms have made Mermaid a popular option for adding diagrams and visuals to technical documentation sites.

Mermaid Features

Features

  1. Diagram creation using text syntax
  2. Support for flowcharts, sequence diagrams, Gantt charts, pie charts, etc
  3. Integration with documentation sites and wikis
  4. Ability to generate SVG, PNG and PDF images
  5. Customizable themes
  6. JavaScript library that runs in the browser

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Simple and intuitive syntax

Good documentation and examples

Active development community

Themes allow extensive customization

Diagrams are portable and easy to embed

Lightweight and easy to integrate

Cons

Limited features compared to desktop diagramming tools

Browser support can be inconsistent

Complex diagrams can require more intricate syntax

Only creates static images, not interactive diagrams


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