How to Use Command Line to Insert PlantUML Code into draw.io and Output Diagram as Headless Option

How to Use Command Line to Insert PlantUML Code into draw.io and Output Diagram as Headless Option

draw.io is a popular online diagramming tool that allows users to create various types of diagrams. One of the powerful features of draw.io is its ability to integrate with PlantUML, a textual language for creating UML diagrams. In this article, we will explore how to use the command line to insert PlantUML code into draw.io and output the diagram as a headless option.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

• A working installation of draw.io
• PlantUML installed on your system
• Basic knowledge of the command line

Step 1: Writing PlantUML Code

First, we need to write the PlantUML code that represents the diagram we want to create. PlantUML uses a simple and intuitive syntax to define UML diagrams. Open a text editor and create a new file with a .puml extension.

Here's an example of a simple PlantUML code that represents a class diagram:

@startuml
class Car {
  - make: String
  - model: String
  + start()
  + stop()
}
@enduml
  

Save the file with a meaningful name, such as diagram.puml.

Step 2: Converting PlantUML Code to XML

Next, we need to convert the PlantUML code into XML format. Open a command prompt or terminal and navigate to the directory where the PlantUML JAR file is located.

Run the following command to convert the PlantUML code to XML:

java -jar plantuml.jar -txml diagram.puml
  

This command will generate an XML file named diagram.xml.

Step 3: Importing XML into draw.io

Now, we can import the generated XML file into draw.io to create the diagram. Open draw.io in your web browser and create a new diagram.

Click on File > Import From > Device. Select the diagram.xml file and click Open.

draw.io will import the XML file and generate the diagram based on the PlantUML code.

Step 4: Outputting Diagram as Headless Option

If you want to output the diagram without the draw.io user interface, you can use the headless option. Open a command prompt or terminal and navigate to the directory where the PlantUML JAR file is located.

Run the following command to output the diagram as an image:

java -jar plantuml.jar -tpng diagram.puml
  

This command will generate a PNG image file named diagram.png that represents the diagram.

Conclusion

Using the command line to insert PlantUML code into draw.io and output the diagram as a headless option provides a convenient way to automate the diagram creation process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create and export diagrams using PlantUML and draw.io.