The tools I actually use (and recommend to my mentees)
All good choices. But no Mermaid option?
Mermaid is great! This is more for system design interviews, where I wouldn't recommend mermaid.
I’d add that the real value is choosing the tool that matches the phase of thinking.
A common System Design diagram anti-pattern?
Sharing only the final diagram in the design document.
Six months later someone wants to update the diagram and they're stuck.
Instead, make sure to include a link to the editable resource.
Bonus points it's in the repository next to the code.
AI makes it easier to use code-first tools like Mermaid.
All good choices. But no Mermaid option?
Mermaid is great! This is more for system design interviews, where I wouldn't recommend mermaid.
I’d add that the real value is choosing the tool that matches the phase of thinking.
A common System Design diagram anti-pattern?
Sharing only the final diagram in the design document.
Six months later someone wants to update the diagram and they're stuck.
Instead, make sure to include a link to the editable resource.
Bonus points it's in the repository next to the code.
AI makes it easier to use code-first tools like Mermaid.