> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.tdlformat.dev/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.tdlformat.dev/readme.md).

# 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!