Drawing diagrams with PlantUML
Pros and Cons
With the basics covered, there are some general pros and cons to using PlantUML for creating diagrams.
PlantUML uses plain text, and very simple text at that. On one hand, this makes it extremely quick to write, without wasting time by clicking on countless options or dragging around lines and boxes.
On the other hand, this efficiency results in some loss of control. A PlantUML diagram is "inferred by a deterministic algorithm in the rendering process" [1]. Therefore, describing diagrams with text instead of just drawing them on your computer is like writing Markdown instead of using a word processor. While you can focus on your diagram's structure, the algorithms baked into PlantUML do the actual drawing. If the developers of the next PlantUML version decide to change those algorithms (or some of the graphic libraries), all your diagrams could assume a new look and feel when you upgrade, whether you like it or not.
While this may be a showstopper for some users, don't let it scare you, because there is nothing as reusable as a PlantUML diagram, and it has so many uses [8]. You can automatically create or process UML code with any major programming language. Above all, you can write, copy, and paste UML code in LibreOffice, Microsoft Office, WordPress, Etherpad, MediaWiki, and many other editors or content management systems. With the right plugins, all those programs will read that code and convert it into embedded diagrams without a hitch. What's not to like?
Infos
- PlantUML: http://www.plantuml.com
- PlantUML web server: http://www.plantuml.com/plantuml
- PlantUML command-line options: https://plantuml.com/command-line
- PlantBuddy diagram: https://github.com/anoff/plantbuddy
- PlantUML Reference Guide: http://plantuml.com/guide
- Open Iconic: https://useiconic.com/open
- Custom sprites: https://plantuml.com/sprite
- Using PlantUML: https://plantuml.com/running
« Previous 1 2 3 4 5
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Endless OS 6 has Arrived
After more than a year since the last update, the latest release of Endless OS is now available for general usage.
-
Fedora Asahi 40 Remix Available for Macs with Apple Silicon
If you've been anticipating KDE's Plasma 6 for your Apple Silicon-powered Mac, then you're in luck.
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.