# README

TDL is a modern, text-based language for defining software architecture diagrams. It is optimized for:

1. **LLM Generation**: High token efficiency means faster and cheaper generation by AI agents
2. **Human Readability**: Clean, indentation-based syntax inspired by Python and YAML
3. **Professional Output**: Renders into beautiful, presentation-ready diagrams

## Example

```tdl
@arch Microservices Architecture

[nodes]
  gateway:API Gateway|icon:aws-api-gateway
  auth:Auth Service|icon:gilbarbara-auth0
  db:User Database|cyl|icon:devicon-postgresql

[edges]
  gateway->auth:validates
  auth->db:queries

[groups]
  backend:Backend Services
    auth
    db
```

![Rendered diagram](/files/HL8nuUCQsI2hhxgQJ81Z)

## Documentation

* [**Specification**](/appendix/specification.md): The formal TDL language standard
* [**Getting Started**](/getting-started/installation.md): Write your first TDL diagram
* [**Syntax Reference**](/reference/syntax.md): Complete syntax guide

## Implementations

* [**Architoon**](https://architoon.dev) - Web editor
  * MCP & Cursor / VS Code extensions coming soon!


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.tdlformat.dev/readme.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.