Ep. 231
Kroki is a technology designed to simplify visual communication by creating diagrams from text descriptions. It bridges the gap between plain text and complex visuals, making diagramming accessible without the need for specialized software. Kroki uses a unified API to support various diagram types, including PlantUML, BPMN, C4, GraphViz, Mermaid, and more, reducing the friction of using multiple tools. It is free, open-source, and hosted on GitHub, with a goal to provide a fast and efficient service. Kroki operates through an HTTP API, handling both GET and POST requests, and can output diagrams in formats like SVG or PNG. Its modular architecture allows it to manage different diagram types efficiently. Users can try Kroki via a free public service at kroki.io or self-host it with minimal resources. The tool aims to democratize visual communication, making it easier for anyone to create clear and shareable diagrams, which can be integrated into version control systems. This simplifies collaboration and ensures diagrams stay up-to-date with evolving systems.