Posting UML/SysML Diagrams to this Forum

[PDC]

I was inspired by the recent discussions on posting SQL snippets to this forum...

I'm sure this has been discussed before but wouldn't it be powerful to have a super-lite diagram editor built into this forum to allow people to quickly throw an individual diagram together to illustrate a point or query in the forum.
So many topics include lengthy worded descriptions of even simple concepts like Class inheritance structures and inevitably end up relying on ASCII character representations of diagrams. I'm taking a leap and imagining something like a super-lite version of WebEA or EALite embedded into the forum toolset.

Anyway, I'll go back to sleep and keep dreaming...

[Elpis]

[...] wouldn't it be powerful to have a super-lite diagram editor built into this forum [...].

There is a *model* behind any diagram. Primarily, a model would have to be embedded into the post, to make it editable.

So many topics include lengthy worded descriptions of even simple concepts like Class inheritance structures and inevitably end up relying on ASCII character representations of diagrams. .

There are already alternatives worth considering:
- XMI/native XML/others files exported from EA - may be 'restored' to individual EA;
- model specified in textual PlantUML - online tool https://www.plantuml.com/ may be used to quickly build sample diagram, if graphical visualization is desired (but not critical nor EA's specific).

[PDC]

There is a *model* behind any diagram.

Clearly we have worked with different colleagues

Primarily, a model would have to be embedded into the post, to make it editable.

I wouldn't suggest making it editable, just a simple way to throw a static diagram on the screen to illustrate a point or a query

There are already alternatives worth considering:
...PlantUML - online tool https://www.plantuml.com/ may be used to quickly build sample diagram, if graphical visualization is desired (but not critical nor EA's specific).

Yes there are tools out there to stick together something using UML/SysML notation - even dia or powerpoint can do that for you! It's just fiddly and time consuming that an image has to be created in another tool, uploaded to an external server and then linked here - if the forum engine could handle drawing and hosting simple images they could be embedded in posts with no need for external hosting.


I'm not expecting anything to happen, just dumping some of my brain contents to make space for something actually useful

[Eve]

I'm taking a leap and imagining something like a super-lite version of WebEA or EALite embedded into the forum toolset.

The forum already allows exactly the same amount of diagram creation as either of those tools. ie. They don't allow you to create any diagrams, they only allow you to view them.

But ultimately, what you are asking for is: For us to create an entirely new UML design tool, even if it is a limited one.