import BlogLayout from "../../components/blog/BlogLayout";

export const frontmatter = {
  title: "Mermaid vs D2: Modern Diagram Languages for Product Teams",
  description:
    "Discover whether Mermaid or D2 is the better diagram-as-code language for your product and platform teams. Compare syntax, collaboration, integrations, and AI tooling.",
  publishedAt: "2025-01-11",
  readingTime: "7 min",
  author: "EveryDiagram Team",
  tags: [
    "mermaid",
    "d2",
    "diagram as code",
    "product design",
    "engineering",
    "comparison",
  ],
  image:
    "/api/og?title=Mermaid%20vs%20D2%3A%20How%20to%20Pick%20the%20Right%20Diagram%20Tool%20for%20Product%20Teams&description=Find%20the%20best%20diagram-as-code%20option%20for%20product%20teams",
};

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>

# Mermaid vs D2: Modern Diagram Languages for Product Teams

Mermaid and D2 lead the new generation of diagram-as-code tools. Both aim to make architecture diagrams easy to write, share, and maintain in Git-based workflows. This comparison highlights where each language excels so you can choose the right option for your documentation and collaboration stack.

## Why This Comparison Matters

- Product and platform teams need fast, iterative diagramming.
- Both languages integrate seamlessly with EveryDiagram for AI-assisted editing.
- Picking the right syntax reduces friction in onboarding and code reviews.

## Feature Snapshot

| Capability | Mermaid | D2 |
| ---------- | ------- | -- |
| Release Year | 2014 | 2022 |
| Syntax Style | Markdown-inspired | Indentation-based |
| Auto Layout | Theme-driven | Intelligent defaults |
| Diagram Types | Flowcharts, ERD, Gantt, user journeys | System architecture, cloud maps, ERD |
| Learning Curve | Beginner-friendly | Beginner-friendly |
| Live Preview in EveryDiagram | ✅ | ✅ |

## Syntax Comparison

### Mermaid User Journey Example

```mermaid
journey
  title Checkout Experience
  section Browse
    Customer: 4: Discover product
  section Cart
    Customer: 3: Add to cart
  section Payment
    Customer: 2: Complete checkout
```

### D2 Product Architecture Example

```d2
web: Next.js Frontend
api: Application API
payments: Payment Provider

web -> api: GraphQL
api -> payments: Secure webhook
```

**Insight:** Mermaid offers many out-of-the-box diagram types. D2 focuses on flexible graphs that auto-layout into clean architecture views.

## Collaboration Workflows

### Mermaid Strengths

- Extensive community snippets and templates for product requirement documents.
- Works directly inside GitHub markdown, Confluence, and Notion.
- Rich ecosystem of plugins for VS Code, JetBrains, and docs frameworks.

### D2 Strengths

- Human-readable diffs that keep pull requests tidy.
- Built-in themes (`default`, `sketch`, `neutral`) adapt to company branding.
- Perfect for pairing with infrastructure-as-code reviews due to YAML-like structure.

## Performance and Hosting

| Requirement | Mermaid | D2 |
| ----------- | ------- | -- |
| Browser Rendering | ✅ Native support | ✅ via WASM |
| CLI Rendering | ✅ `@mermaid-js/mermaid-cli` | ✅ Official D2 binary |
| Embedding in Docs Portals | ✅ Markdown & MDX | ✅ Static site integrations |
| Large Diagram Handling | ⚠️ Layout tweaks needed | ✅ Automatic spacing |

## SEO-Friendly FAQs

### Which language is faster for prototyping?
Mermaid. You can paste snippets into EveryDiagram, tweak colors, and share a live preview within seconds.

### Does D2 support the same variety of diagrams as Mermaid?
Not yet. D2 specializes in systems thinking and cloud architecture. Mermaid covers additional chart types like timelines, user journeys, and gantt charts.

### Can my team use both languages in EveryDiagram?
Absolutely. EveryDiagram detects your syntax automatically, offers AI suggestions to improve clarity, and exports branded assets regardless of the language you choose.

## Decision Guide

| Team Priority | Recommended Language |
| ------------- | ------------------- |
| Product documentation with charts | Mermaid |
| Architecture reviews and runbooks | D2 |
| AI-assisted editing | Both (EveryDiagram) |
| Publishing to stakeholder decks | Mermaid |
| Managing infrastructure topology | D2 |

## Final Recommendation

If your goal is to publish polished diagrams in product wikis, **Mermaid** delivers unmatched variety and instant embeds. For teams mapping services, environments, and dependencies, **D2** offers clean layouts with minimal syntax. Either way, EveryDiagram unifies your workflow—import code, iterate with AI, and export ready-to-share visuals across your organization.

</BlogLayout>


Mermaid vs D2: Modern Diagram Languages for Product Teams

import BlogLayout from "../../components/blog/BlogLayout";

export const frontmatter = {
  title: "D2 vs PlantUML: Choosing the Right Diagram Language for Engineering Teams",
  description:
    "Evaluate D2 and PlantUML diagram languages side by side. Understand syntax, collaboration workflows, CI/CD usage, and which tool accelerates engineering documentation.",
  publishedAt: "2025-01-10",
  readingTime: "8 min",
  author: "EveryDiagram Team",
  tags: [
    "d2",
    "plantuml",
    "diagram as code",
    "architecture",
    "engineering documentation",
    "comparison",
  ],
  image:
    "/api/og?title=D2%20vs%20PlantUML%3A%20Choose%20the%20Right%20Diagram-as-Code%20Syntax&description=See%20when%20D2%20or%20PlantUML%20fits%20your%20documentation%20pipeline",
};

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  description={frontmatter.description}
  publishedAt={frontmatter.publishedAt}
  readingTime={frontmatter.readingTime}
  author={frontmatter.author}
  tags={frontmatter.tags}
  image={frontmatter.image}
>

# D2 vs PlantUML: Choosing the Right Diagram Language for Engineering Teams

D2 and PlantUML both let you describe diagrams using plain text, making it easier to version-control architecture ideas and automate documentation. Yet the two languages embrace different philosophies. This guide compares D2's modern developer experience with PlantUML's battle-tested power so you can standardize on the right tool.

## Executive Summary

- **D2** prioritizes readability, defaults, and AI-assisted layouts.
- **PlantUML** provides exhaustive control and decades of UML-first features.
- Both languages integrate with EveryDiagram, enabling your team to collaborate on diagrams and export production-ready assets.

## Headline Differences

| Capability | D2 | PlantUML |
| ---------- | -- | -------- |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2009 |
| Syntax Style | YAML-esque, indentation-friendly | Script-like with UML keywords |
| Auto Layout | AI-assisted with default spacing | Manual tuning via directives |
| Diagram Types | System designs, cloud maps, ERDs | Full UML suite, sequence, deployment |
| Best Team Fit | Product delivery squads | Enterprise architecture groups |

## Syntax Comparison

### D2 System Diagram

```d2
app: Web App
api: API Service
queue: Message Queue
worker: Background Worker

app -> api: REST calls
api -> queue: Publish events
queue -> worker: Consume
```

### PlantUML Component Diagram

```plantuml
@startuml
package "Web App" as App
node "API Service" as API
queue "Message Queue" as MQ
component "Background Worker" as Worker

App --> API : REST calls
API --> MQ : Publish events
MQ --> Worker : Consume
@enduml
```

**Takeaway:** D2 uses indentation and natural labels, while PlantUML exposes explicit diagram elements and stereotypes.

## Developer Productivity

### Why Teams Love D2

- Instant diagrams with minimal configuration thanks to auto layout.
- Markdown-style comments and attribute blocks make it easy to read in pull requests.
- Built-in theming lets you align diagrams with your design system quickly.

### Why Teams Stick with PlantUML

- Rich UML semantics (use case, component, deployment) suited for enterprise governance.
- Mature ecosystem of IDE plugins, server renderers, and CI integrations.
- Precise control over lifelines, activation bars, and message arrows in sequence diagrams.

## Collaboration and Workflow

| Workflow Need | D2 | PlantUML |
| ------------- | -- | -------- |
| Git reviews | ✅ Friendly diffs | ⚠️ Verbose for complex diagrams |
| Cloud documentation | ✅ Templates for AWS, Azure, GCP | ✅ Extensive icon packs |
| Sharing with non-technical stakeholders | ✅ Clean layouts by default | ✅ Export to PNG/SVG/PDF |
| Legacy UML support | ⚠️ Not native | ✅ First-class |

## Performance in CI/CD

- **D2** compiles via Go, making it lightweight for containerized pipelines. Combine it with EveryDiagram's CLI to render diagrams as part of documentation builds.
- **PlantUML** leverages Java or WebAssembly runtimes. Use PlantUML Server or Kroki for distributed rendering across microservices.

### Automation Recipes

1. **Docs Preview:** Run `d2 --watch` locally and sync with EveryDiagram to share review URLs in minutes.
2. **Architecture Governance:** Use PlantUML's stereotype enforcement and add EveryDiagram's export pipeline to keep diagrams consistent across teams.

## SEO-Friendly FAQs

### Which language is easier to adopt?
D2 offers lower friction with human-readable syntax and automated layout. PlantUML requires more setup but rewards teams that need strict UML notation.

### Can D2 replace PlantUML for enterprise modeling?
Not entirely. D2 focuses on pragmatic architecture sketches and modern product diagrams. For regulatory documentation or full UML compliance, PlantUML remains the better option. However, EveryDiagram lets you manage both formats in a single workspace.

### How do I migrate diagrams from PlantUML to D2?
Start by importing your PlantUML files into EveryDiagram, export to SVG for stakeholders, and gradually rebuild key diagrams in D2 to take advantage of its simplified syntax.

## Recommendation Matrix

| Scenario | Recommended Language |
| -------- | ------------------- |
| Rapid prototyping for product squads | D2 |
| Enterprise UML documentation | PlantUML |
| Multi-cloud architecture reviews | D2 |
| Formal sequence diagrams for QA | PlantUML |
| Collaborative editing with AI assistance | D2 via EveryDiagram |

## Final Thoughts

Selecting between D2 and PlantUML depends on your audience and documentation lifecycle. D2 speeds up everyday collaboration and keeps diagrams legible in pull requests. PlantUML remains indispensable when you need compliance-ready UML artifacts and precise control.

No matter which syntax you favor, EveryDiagram unifies your workflow. Paste your D2 or PlantUML code, enhance it with AI recommendations, and publish shareable diagrams that move projects forward.

</BlogLayout>


D2 vs PlantUML: Choosing the Right Diagram Language for Engineering Teams

import BlogLayout from "../../components/blog/BlogLayout";

export const frontmatter = {
  title: "Mermaid vs Graphviz: Which Diagram-as-Code Tool Fits Your Workflow?",
  description:
    "Compare Mermaid and Graphviz for diagram-as-code projects. Explore syntax, styling, integrations, and performance to pick the best tool for your team.",
  publishedAt: "2025-01-09",
  readingTime: "7 min",
  author: "EveryDiagram Team",
  tags: [
    "mermaid",
    "graphviz",
    "comparison",
    "diagram as code",
    "devops",
    "architecture diagrams",
  ],
  image:
    "/api/og?title=Mermaid%20vs%20Graphviz%3A%20Which%20Diagram-as-Code%20Tool%20Fits%20Your%20Workflow%3F&description=Decide%20between%20Mermaid%20and%20Graphviz%20for%20diagram%20automation",
};

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  description={frontmatter.description}
  publishedAt={frontmatter.publishedAt}
  readingTime={frontmatter.readingTime}
  author={frontmatter.author}
  tags={frontmatter.tags}
  image={frontmatter.image}
>

# Mermaid vs Graphviz: Which Diagram-as-Code Tool Fits Your Workflow?

Mermaid and Graphviz are two of the most widely adopted diagram-as-code syntaxes. Both empower developers, SREs, and technical writers to create diagrams programmatically, but they excel in different scenarios. This in-depth comparison will help you choose the best tool for modern software documentation, architecture planning, and automation pipelines.

## Quick Comparison Table

| Feature | Mermaid | Graphviz |
| ------- | ------- | -------- |
| Release Year | 2014 | 1991 |
| Primary Syntax Style | Declarative, Markdown-like | DOT language |
| Rendering Engine | JavaScript (client & server) | Native binaries, libraries |
| Best For | Product docs, engineering blogs, quick diagrams | Complex graphs, infrastructure maps |
| Learning Curve | Low | Moderate |
| Visual Customization | High-level themes | Low-level control |
| Official Integrations | GitHub, Notion, Obsidian | CLI, libraries, Graphviz Online |

## Syntax Side by Side

### Mermaid Flowchart

```mermaid
graph TD
  Dev[Developer] --> CI[CI Pipeline]
  CI --> QA[Quality Checks]
  QA --> Prod[Production]
```

### Graphviz DOT

```dot
digraph Delivery {
  rankdir=LR;
  Dev [label="Developer"];
  CI [label="CI Pipeline"];
  QA [label="Quality Checks"];
  Prod [label="Production"];

  Dev -> CI -> QA -> Prod;
}
```

### What the Syntax Tells You

- **Mermaid** focuses on simplicity. The syntax mirrors the diagram structure and is easy to embed in Markdown.
- **Graphviz** exposes every styling parameter, offering full control but requiring more verbose definitions.

## Styling and Theming

### Mermaid Styling Highlights

- Built-in themes (`default`, `forest`, `dark`, `neutral`).
- Scoped styling via the `classDef` directive.
- Easy to adopt responsive design for web embeds.

### Graphviz Styling Highlights

- Fine-grained control over nodes, edges, fonts, and positioning.
- Support for hierarchical layouts (dot), force-directed layouts (neato), and orthogonal layouts (sfdp).
- Ideal for bespoke graph visualizations and research-grade charts.

> **Tip:** If you value quick iteration and consistent branding without fiddling with layout parameters, Mermaid is the faster option.

## Performance and Automation

- **Mermaid** diagrams render instantly inside the EveryDiagram editor with live previews and collaboration ready to go.
- **Graphviz** shines in headless automation. Render diagrams in CI/CD pipelines, generate PDFs, and integrate with scripting languages such as Python, Go, and Rust.

### Build Pipeline Integration

| Use Case | Mermaid | Graphviz |
| -------- | ------- | -------- |
| GitHub Markdown | ✅ Native support | ⚠️ Requires rendered image |
| Docs-as-Code (Docusaurus, MkDocs) | ✅ Plugins available | ✅ Plugins available |
| Infrastructure-as-Code Reports | ✅ Great for storytelling | ✅ Excellent for network graphs |
| Automated Layout of Large Graphs | ⚠️ Limited for >500 nodes | ✅ Built for large datasets |

## Community and Ecosystem

- **Mermaid** boasts a vibrant community adding new diagram types such as entity-relationship diagrams, user journeys, and Kanban boards. Third-party tools like EveryDiagram wrap Mermaid with AI-assisted editing, version control, and enterprise sharing.
- **Graphviz** powers mission-critical systems. Its mature ecosystem includes bindings for Python (`graphviz`), Java (`guru.nidi`), and JavaScript (`hpcc-js/wasm`). Layout algorithms from Graphviz often underpin other diagramming tools.

## SEO-Friendly FAQs

### Is Mermaid easier to learn than Graphviz?
Yes. Mermaid uses human-readable keywords and ships with an approachable flowchart-first syntax. Graphviz's DOT syntax is more expressive but requires understanding attributes and layout engines.

### Can I mix Mermaid and Graphviz in one documentation site?
Absolutely. Many teams start with Mermaid for quick explanations and switch to Graphviz for system dependency graphs. Use EveryDiagram to manage both syntaxes in a single workspace and export production-ready diagrams.

### Which tool is better for DevOps workflows?
- Choose **Mermaid** for dashboards, release notes, and stakeholder-friendly diagrams.
- Choose **Graphviz** when you need deterministic layouts, deep graph analysis, or integration with IaC tooling.

## Recommendation

Start with **Mermaid** if you are documenting features, collaboration flows, or product architectures. Its low learning curve and Markdown-first design keep teams productive. Reach for **Graphviz** when your priority is algorithmic layout control or network-intensive diagrams. Regardless of your choice, EveryDiagram lets you import Mermaid or Graphviz files, refine them with AI prompts, and publish stunning visuals in minutes.

## Call to Action

Ready to turn your diagram-as-code files into interactive visuals? Open the EveryDiagram app, paste your Mermaid or Graphviz source, and generate branded diagrams with one click. Built-in sharing links and export presets ensure your work scales across engineering, product, and leadership teams.

</BlogLayout>


Mermaid vs Graphviz: Which Diagram-as-Code Tool Fits Your Workflow?

import BlogLayout from "../../components/blog/BlogLayout";

export const frontmatter = {
  title: "Mermaid vs PlantUML: Which Diagram Syntax Should You Choose?",
  description:
    "Compare Mermaid and PlantUML diagram syntaxes to find the best tool for your diagramming needs. Learn the pros, cons, and use cases for each.",
  publishedAt: "2025-01-08",
  readingTime: "6 min",
  author: "EveryDiagram Team",
  tags: [
    "mermaid",
    "plantuml",
    "comparison",
    "diagram syntax",
    "uml",
    "flowchart",
  ],
  image:
    "/api/og?title=Mermaid%20vs%20PlantUML%3A%20Which%20Diagram%20Syntax%20Should%20You%20Choose%3F&description=Compare%20Mermaid%20and%20PlantUML%20diagram%20syntaxes",
};

<BlogLayout
  title={frontmatter.title}
  description={frontmatter.description}
  publishedAt={frontmatter.publishedAt}
  readingTime={frontmatter.readingTime}
  author={frontmatter.author}
  tags={frontmatter.tags}
  image={frontmatter.image}
>

# Mermaid vs PlantUML: Which Diagram Syntax Should You Choose?

When it comes to creating diagrams online, two of the most popular text-based syntaxes are Mermaid and PlantUML. Both offer powerful diagramming capabilities, but they have different strengths and use cases. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll help you choose the right tool for your specific needs.

## Overview: Mermaid vs PlantUML

### Mermaid

- **Created by**: Knut Sveidqvist (now maintained by Mermaid.js team)
- **First Release**: 2014
- **Syntax**: Text-based, declarative
- **Rendering**: Client-side JavaScript (browser) or server-side (Node.js)
- **Learning Curve**: Easy to moderate
- **Community**: Very active and rapidly growing
- **Latest Version**: 11.x (as of 2025)

### PlantUML

- **Created by**: Arnaud Roques
- **First Release**: 2009
- **Syntax**: Text-based, UML-inspired
- **Rendering**: Server-side (Java) or client-side (WebAssembly)
- **Learning Curve**: Moderate to steep
- **Community**: Mature, stable, and well-established
- **Latest Version**: 1.2025.x (actively maintained)

## Syntax Comparison

### Basic Flowchart Example

**Mermaid Syntax:**

```mermaid
graph TD
    A[Start] --> B{Decision?}
    B -->|Yes| C[Process A]
    B -->|No| D[Process B]
    C --> E[End]
    D --> E
```

**PlantUML Syntax:**

```plantuml
@startuml
start
:Decision?;
if (Yes?) then (yes)
  :Process A;
else (no)
  :Process B;
endif
stop
@enduml
```

### Sequence Diagram Example

**Mermaid Syntax:**

```mermaid
sequenceDiagram
    participant U as User
    participant S as System
    participant D as Database

    U->>S: Login Request
    S->>D: Query User
    D-->>S: User Data
    S-->>U: Login Success
```

**PlantUML Syntax:**

```plantuml
@startuml
actor User
participant "System" as S
database "Database" as D

User -> S: Login Request
S -> D: Query User
D --> S: User Data
S --> User: Login Success
@enduml
```

## Feature Comparison

### Supported Diagram Types

| Diagram Type        | Mermaid | PlantUML |
| ------------------- | ------- | -------- |
| Flowcharts          | ✅      | ✅       |
| Sequence Diagrams   | ✅      | ✅       |
| Class Diagrams      | ✅      | ✅       |
| Use Case Diagrams   | ❌      | ✅       |
| Activity Diagrams   | ✅      | ✅       |
| Component Diagrams  | ❌      | ✅       |
| Deployment Diagrams | ❌      | ✅       |
| State Diagrams      | ✅      | ✅       |
| Timing Diagrams     | ❌      | ✅       |
| Entity Relationship | ✅      | ✅       |
| User Journey        | ✅      | ❌       |
| Gantt Charts        | ✅      | ✅       |
| Pie Charts          | ✅      | ❌       |
| Git Graphs          | ✅      | ❌       |
| Mindmaps            | ✅      | ✅       |
| Timeline            | ✅      | ❌       |
| Quadrant Chart      | ✅      | ❌       |
| XY Chart            | ✅      | ❌       |
| Sankey Diagram      | ✅      | ❌       |
| Block Diagram       | ✅      | ❌       |
| Kanban              | ✅      | ❌       |
| Architecture        | ✅      | ✅       |
| C4 Diagram          | ✅      | ✅       |
| Network Diagram     | ❌      | ✅       |
| Salt (UI Mockups)   | ❌      | ✅       |
| Math Notation       | ❌      | ✅       |

### Syntax Complexity

**Mermaid Pros:**

- More intuitive and readable syntax
- Excellent for quick prototyping and documentation
- Native browser support with lightweight dependencies
- Wide variety of modern diagram types (Sankey, XY charts, etc.)
- Active development with frequent new features
- Better for agile and modern development workflows

**Mermaid Cons:**

- Limited traditional UML diagram support
- Less extensive styling and theming options
- Newer tool with evolving syntax

**PlantUML Pros:**

- Complete UML 2.0 specification support
- Mature tool with extensive documentation
- Powerful customization and styling options
- Better for formal software documentation
- Excellent IDE integration
- Supports complex enterprise diagrams

**PlantUML Cons:**

- Steeper learning curve
- More verbose syntax
- Requires Java runtime for server-side rendering
- Can be overwhelming for simple use cases

## Use Case Recommendations

### Choose Mermaid When:

1. **You're New to Diagramming**
   - Easier to learn and get started
   - More intuitive syntax
   - Better for simple flowcharts

2. **You Need Quick Prototypes**
   - Faster to create basic diagrams
   - Less verbose syntax
   - Good for brainstorming

3. **You Work with Web Technologies**
   - JavaScript-based
   - Easy to integrate into web apps
   - Good browser support

4. **You Need Data Visualization**
   - Built-in pie charts and graphs
   - Good for simple data representation
   - Quick to create

### Choose PlantUML When:

1. **You Need Complete UML Support**
   - Full UML specification compliance
   - All UML diagram types supported
   - Enterprise-grade features

2. **You're Working on Complex Systems**
   - Better for large, complex diagrams
   - More powerful customization
   - Better for system architecture

3. **You're in an Enterprise Environment**
   - Mature tool with long history
   - Better documentation
   - More community resources

4. **You Need Advanced Features**
   - Custom styling and themes
   - Advanced layout options
   - Better for technical documentation

## Performance Considerations

### Mermaid

- **Rendering**: Client-side JavaScript (browser) or Node.js (server)
- **Speed**: Very fast for most diagram types
- **Dependencies**: Lightweight (~1MB minified)
- **Browser Support**: All modern browsers
- **Mobile**: Responsive and mobile-friendly
- **Offline**: Works offline once loaded

### PlantUML

- **Rendering**: Server-side Java or client-side WebAssembly
- **Speed**: Fast but depends on server resources
- **Dependencies**: Java 8+ (server) or WebAssembly (client)
- **Browser Support**: Excellent with WASM renderer
- **Mobile**: Good support with responsive output
- **Offline**: Possible with local server or WASM

## Integration and Tooling

### Mermaid Integration

- **GitHub**: Native support in markdown (2022+)
- **GitLab**: Native support in markdown
- **Notion**: Native support
- **Obsidian**: Native support
- **Confluence**: Plugin available
- **VS Code**: Multiple excellent extensions
- **JetBrains IDEs**: Plugin support
- **Jupyter Notebooks**: Native support
- **Docusaurus**: Built-in support
- **GitBook**: Native support
- **Web Apps**: Easy to embed with CDN

### PlantUML Integration

- **IntelliJ IDEA**: Excellent native plugin
- **Eclipse**: Official plugin
- **VS Code**: Multiple extensions available
- **Confluence**: Official plugin
- **MediaWiki**: Extension available
- **Sphinx**: Integration for documentation
- **LaTeX**: Integration available
- **CI/CD**: Docker images and CLI tools
- **Enterprise Tools**: Wide enterprise adoption
- **Web Services**: Online rendering services

## Learning Resources

### Mermaid Learning Path

1. **Start with Flowcharts**: Basic syntax and concepts
2. **Move to Sequence Diagrams**: Learn interaction patterns
3. **Explore Class Diagrams**: Understand object relationships
4. **Advanced Features**: Custom styling and themes

### PlantUML Learning Path

1. **Learn UML Basics**: Understand UML concepts
2. **Start with Use Cases**: Simple actor-system interactions
3. **Sequence Diagrams**: Complex system interactions
4. **Class Diagrams**: Object-oriented modeling
5. **Advanced UML**: State machines, components, etc.

## Real-World Examples

### Example 1: Simple Process Flow

**Mermaid (Recommended):**

```mermaid
graph LR
    A[User Input] --> B[Validate]
    B --> C{Valid?}
    C -->|Yes| D[Process]
    C -->|No| E[Show Error]
    D --> F[Save]
    E --> A
    F --> G[Complete]
```

**PlantUML (Alternative):**

```plantuml
@startuml
start
:User Input;
:Validate;
if (Valid?) then (yes)
  :Process;
  :Save;
  :Complete;
else (no)
  :Show Error;
  stop
endif
stop
@enduml
```

### Example 2: Complex System Architecture

**PlantUML (Recommended):**

```plantuml
@startuml
package "Frontend" {
  [React App]
  [User Interface]
}

package "Backend" {
  [API Gateway]
  [Authentication Service]
  [Data Service]
}

database "Database" {
  [User Data]
  [Application Data]
}

[React App] --> [API Gateway]
[API Gateway] --> [Authentication Service]
[API Gateway] --> [Data Service]
[Authentication Service] --> [User Data]
[Data Service] --> [Application Data]
@enduml
```

## Best Practices for Each Tool

### Mermaid Best Practices

- Keep diagrams simple and focused
- Use consistent naming conventions
- Leverage themes for styling
- Break complex diagrams into smaller parts
- Use comments for clarity

### PlantUML Best Practices

- Follow UML conventions strictly
- Use proper UML notation
- Leverage packages for organization
- Use stereotypes for customization
- Maintain consistent styling

## Conclusion

The choice between Mermaid and PlantUML depends on your specific needs:

**Choose Mermaid if:**

- You're new to diagramming
- You need quick, simple diagrams
- You work primarily with web technologies
- You need data visualization features

**Choose PlantUML if:**

- You need complete UML support
- You're working on complex systems
- You're in an enterprise environment
- You need advanced customization

### Hybrid Approach

Many teams use both tools:

- **Mermaid** for quick prototypes and simple diagrams
- **PlantUML** for formal documentation and complex UML diagrams

This approach gives you the best of both worlds - the simplicity of Mermaid for everyday use and the power of PlantUML for complex system modeling.

### Getting Started

Ready to try both? Visit [EveryDiagram](https://unidiagram.com) to experiment with both Mermaid and PlantUML syntaxes. You can easily switch between them and see the results in real-time.

Remember, the best tool is the one that helps you communicate your ideas most effectively. Start simple, experiment with both, and choose the syntax that works best for your specific use case.

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UniDiagram

EveryDiagram Blog

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