Error Messages

Common TDL errors and how to fix them.

Syntax Errors

Unknown Node Reference

Error: Unknown node "xyz" in edge definition

Cause: An edge references a node that wasn't defined.

Example:

[nodes]
  api:API

[edges]
  api->database  # Error: "database" not defined

Fix:

[nodes]
  api:API
  database:Database|cyl  # Add this

[edges]
  api->database

Missing Section

Cause: Nodes defined without a section header.

Example:

Fix:

Invalid Diagram Type

Cause: Unrecognized diagram type declaration.

Example:

Fix:

Indentation Error

Cause: Inconsistent or incorrect indentation.

Example:

Fix:

Invalid Property

Cause: Using a property that doesn't exist.

Example:

Fix:


Unclosed Group

Cause: Missing closing bracket or malformed group.

Example:

Fix:

Duplicate Node ID

Cause: Two nodes have the same ID.

Example:

Fix:

Extension Warnings

Undeclared Extension (W103)

Cause: Using an extension feature without declaring it.

Example:

Fix:

Unknown Icon (W104)

Cause: Referencing an icon that doesn't exist.

Fix: Check the Icon Library for valid icon names.


Edge Errors

Self-Reference in Edge

Cause: An edge points to itself with solid arrow.

Example:


Invalid Edge Operator

Cause: Using an operator that TDL doesn't support.

Example:

Fix:

Style Errors

Unknown Style

Cause: Referencing a style that wasn't defined.

Example:

Fix:

Debug Tips

  1. Check indentation - TDL is whitespace-sensitive

  2. Define nodes first - Before using in edges

  3. Declare extensions - Before using extension features

  4. Use unique IDs - No duplicate node identifiers

  5. Valid operators - ->, -->, .., <->, <-->

Getting Help

If you encounter an error not listed here:

  1. Review the Specification

  2. Open an issue on GitHubarrow-up-right

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