What is TDL?

TDL is a minimal, token-efficient language for describing software architecture diagrams.

The Problem

Software architecture diagrams are essential for understanding systems, but current tools make them painful to create and maintain:

• GUI tools (Lucidchart, Draw.io) - Manual positioning, hard to version control

• Code-based tools (Mermaid, PlantUML) - don't look that pretty when rendered, they do get the job done tho.

The Solution

TDL takes a different approach:

@arch
[nodes]
  api:API Gateway
  users:User Service|cyl
  orders:Order Service|cyl

[edges]
  api->users:auth
  api->orders:create
  users-->orders:notify

Rendered diagram

Key Principles

1. Minimal Quoting - No quotes around simple labels

2. Semantic Indentation - Structure through whitespace, not brackets

3. Auto-Layout - Focus on relationships, not pixel positioning

4. Extensible: see extensions

Who Uses TDL?

• Developers documenting their systems

• Architects communicating designs

• AI assistants generating diagrams from descriptions

• Teams keeping diagrams in sync with code (version control friendly)

Next Steps

• Why TDL? - Detailed comparison with alternatives

• Quick Example - See TDL in action

• Installation - Get started now