D2: Modern Diagram Scripting Language
D2 is an innovative project that focuses on transforming textual descriptions into visual diagrams through a modern scripting language. Aimed at developers, designers, and anyone needing to create informational graphics efficiently, D2 is both a language and a tool that represents the next generation of visual communication. Below is an in-depth look at what D2 offers and how it functions.
What Does D2 Do?
At its core, D2 takes textual scripts that describe elements and their connections and converts them into diagram formats like SVG, PNG, and PDF. Imagine being able to type out a simple description of a system architecture and having it automatically translated into a polished, professional-looking graphic. This is the primary function D2 serves.
Getting Started with D2
Using D2 is straightforward. Users can download the CLI (command-line interface) tool to convert .d2 text files into visual diagrams. By simply writing scripts and running the D2 tool in a command-line interface, they can produce interactive graphics that update dynamically as the script changes. The process is designed to be hassle-free, enabling quick setup with a single install script.
Installation
To install D2, users can execute a bash script via their terminal, which handles the installation process for them. Alternatively, those with Go installed on their machines can install D2 directly from the source. Either way, D2 provides flexibility in installation that suits different user preferences and system configurations.
Extending D2 with Themes and Plugins
D2 includes various themes to tailor the aesthetic of diagrams. Users can select from official D2 themes or create custom styles, allowing for personalization that aligns with the unique branding or visual preferences of projects.
The tool is built to be extensible, with a plugin system supporting different layout engines. This extensibility ensures D2 can adapt to various diagrammatic needs, from simple flowcharts to complex architecture diagrams. Users have the option to choose from default engines like Dagre or explore others such as ELK and TALA for specialized diagram types.
D2 as a Library
Beyond being a standalone tool, D2 functions as a library that can be integrated into Go programs. This feature is beneficial for developers looking to automate the creation of diagrams within software projects programmatically. An array of examples and documentation is provided to support seamless integration.
Language Features
Designed with tooling in mind, D2 includes features like syntax highlighting, autoformatting, and error detection. These are crucial for maintaining productivity and ensuring the reliability of diagrams, especially as projects scale in complexity.
Community and Plugins
D2's community is vibrant, contributing to a variety of plugins across different platforms like VSCode, Vim, and Slack. These plugins enable users to incorporate D2 into their pre-existing workflows, providing even more ways to leverage the power of diagram scripting.
License and Contribution
The project is open-source under the Mozilla Public License 2.0, inviting contributions from developers worldwide. Whether through plugin development or direct contributions to the D2 codebase, community engagement is encouraged.
Notable Usages
D2 is already being used by noted open-source projects such as Elasticsearch, Temporal, and Sourcegraph. These projects utilize D2 for its capability to streamline documentation and improve visual communication in technical environments.
D2 revolutionizes how we perceive and create diagrams, making the process more accessible and integrated into regular development workflows. It empowers users to articulate complex systems visually without needing extensive graphic design skills, democratizing access to beautiful, effective diagrams.