{"id":5940,"date":"2024-04-01T06:03:41","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T06:03:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/modeling-languages.com\/?p=5940"},"modified":"2024-04-02T18:48:17","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T18:48:17","slug":"text-uml-tools-complete-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/modeling-languages.com\/text-uml-tools-complete-list\/","title":{"rendered":"From Text to Models: A Comprehensive Guide to Textual Modeling and Diagrams as Code Tools in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"
Textual modeling tools have gained significant popularity in recent years, offering a convenient way to create software models using textual notations and languages. These tools automatically render the corresponding graphical diagrams from the textual descriptions, providing an easy bridge between text and visual representations. While many textual modeling tools focus on UML<\/a>, the concept extends beyond just UML, with tools supporting various other notations such as ER (Entity-Relationship) diagrams, BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation), architecture diagrams, and even text to chatbot<\/a> tools.<\/p>\n This category of tools is often referred to as “diagrams as code<\/strong>” (for the same “easy to understand” and marketing-oriented reasons that is pushing model-driven tools to call themselves low-code tools<\/a> or other tool categories to adopt also the “as code” branding, e.g. “infrastructure as code”). The textual UML tools market, in particular, has witnessed rapid growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing segments in the UML tools market. No, this is not based on any kind of empirical study but based on my anecdotal evidence complemented with stats of visits and questions I get on this topic. But, definitely, along with online modeling tools<\/a>, textual UML tools have emerged as the go-to choice for individuals seeking lightweight solutions\u00a0 to draw some models<\/a>. \u00a0In fact, since most textual UML tools have an online editor, they are a jackpot for occasional modelers. Note that some tools could appear in both categories (e.g. Mermaid<\/a>) as, for instance, what started as a JS library has evolved to a full-blown editor that can now be used (or embedded in other tools) stand-alone. So make sure to check both pages.<\/p>\n But why are text-to-UML tools so popular? Their popularity can be attributed to their low barrier to entry<\/strong>. By storing UML models as text, these tools seamlessly integrate with version control systems and other tools that programmers already use in their daily workflows. This eliminates the need to learn, purchase, or install additional software, making adoption much easier. Moreover, programmers often find textual languages more intuitive and comfortable<\/strong> compared to graphical ones, further contributing to the widespread adoption of these tools. Furthermore, They are great when accessibility is important as, in general, most tools for improving accessibility (e.g. for handicapped people) work best with text input. For instance, textual modeling tools are often the only viable option for blind modelers<\/a>.<\/p>\n Still, as you’ll see in the list below, the features, expressiveness, and robustness of such tools are rather limited in most cases. As such, they are best for quick and informal model sketches, such as creating documentation or blueprints for early design discussions, rather than for extensive and rigorous modeling activities. The typical usage scenario of these tools might explain why companies rarely offer commercial solutions in this market, with most tools being open-source or free to use.<\/p>\nComplete list of diagrams as code tools to render UML and other types of models from a few lines of text <\/a><\/span>Click To Tweet<\/a><\/span>\n Let’s see our complete list of textual modeling tools. I tried to include all<\/strong> tools I’m aware of. If you think yours is missing, please leave a comment and I’ll add it. Note that I’m listing here end-user modeling tools. If you’re looking for (JavaScript) libraries that help you to create your own modeling editor, go here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n In no particular order, these are the tools you should check first when looking for a quick and easy way to draw some UML diagrams. As long as you are interested in drawing class diagrams, sequence diagrams or use case diagrams you’ll find several options. A couple of them support state machines. Instead, coverage of other kinds of UML diagrams<\/a>\u00a0is rather poor.<\/p>\n PlantUML<\/a> is the most well-known UML tool in this category, with millions of UML models rendered.\u00a0 We have covered it in-depth in this interview with his creator<\/a> but, in short, it supports all\u00a0important\u00a0UML diagrams<\/a> (class, use case, activity, sequence, component, deployment and object diagrams\u00a0but, to me, the strong point of this tool is the variety of scenarios in which it can be used. There’s a massive ecosystem of tools around PlantUML<\/a> to render textual UML diagrams anywhere you want. Even BESSER<\/a> partially relies on PlantUML syntax to create our models.<\/p>\nTextual UML modeling tools<\/h2>\n
PlantUML<\/h3>\n