D2
Terrastruct's open diagram-as-code tool with multiple layout engines, themes, icons, containers, animation, and SVG or PDF exports.
Why it’s here
It is freer than formal UML for quickly expressing service topology, production flows, and system boundaries while reviewing sources alongside specs.
Best fit
Prototype systems, stories, and interactions, then validate them with real players.
Before you commit
Layout engines can produce different results and dense diagrams still need manual constraints; distinguish the local CLI from paid cloud collaboration features.