Plain Text Diagramming Tools: Enduring Niche for Source Code and AI Entry Point
By
rbanffy
Yesterday's bagel, baked twice. Familiar and a bit tough.
Summary
A blog post discussing the niche but enduring category of plain text/ASCII diagramming and UI design tools. These tools appeal to users who prefer limited visual choices for low-key diagramming in source code, and are increasingly serving as an entry point to generative AI. The post also notes the fun aspect of ASCII spray in Mockdown, while clarifying that "ASCII" is used colloquially.
Key quotes
· 3 pulled"Plain text has been around for decades and it's here to stay." – Unsung
I believe these are used by people who prefer intentionally limited visual choices, for low-key diagramming to put in source code, and – increasingly – as an entry point to gen AI.
Caveat: These tools are "ASCII" in a colloquial sense, the same way people use "GIFs" to refer to a certain category of looping animations.
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