DiagramIDE: Diagrams that behave like code

DiagramIDE

Technical Information Sheet

DIDE 1.0

Working Draft

DiagramIDE

Diagrams as source files.

General Description

DiagramIDE is a small workspace for writing Pikchr diagrams, previewing the rendered result, and keeping related source fragments in one place.

The system is intended for users who prefer diagrams to remain inspectable as text.

A diagram may be written directly, assembled from named fragments, or generated from a small program.

Primary input is Pikchr. Generated input may be produced with Prolog DCGs , Tcl , or Ruby .

Rendered output may be exported as SVG , PNG , transparent PNG , or copied as Pikchr source .

1 Source

Pikchr editor, plain text fragments, named editors

1.1

2 Generation

Prolog DCG, Tcl, Ruby output to Pikchr

1.2

3 Composition

!!name!! includes raw source

1.3.1<br>$$name$$ includes generated output

1.3.2

4 Workspaces

Related editors, render windows, snippets, and experiments

1.4

5 Export

SVG, PNG, transparent PNG, generated Pikchr source

1.5

Operating Sequence

Write.<br>Create the diagram in Pikchr, or generate Pikchr when the structure is repetitive.

Inspect.<br>Keep the source and rendered diagram visible at the same time.

Reuse.<br>Move repeated shapes, labels, or layout fragments into named editors.

Export.<br>Produce an image or copy the generated source when the diagram is ready.

Specimens

The examples below show the editor and rendered output as working windows. They are included as product specimens, not decorative illustrations.

Pikchr may be written directly

Ruby may generate Pikchr

Prolog may generate Pikchr

TCL may generate Pikchr

Finished diagrams may be exported in several forms.

Fig. 1.1 Direct Pikchr source and paired render window.

Fig. 1.2 Ruby output used to generate Pikchr.

Fig. 1.3 Export formats.

Distribution

For users who prefer diagrams to remain readable, reusable, and source-controlled.

Download

1.0