Show HN: Diagramming tool that helped me understand codebases much faster (code-canvas.com)

10 points by Abdulnaser97 ↗ HN
I built Code Canvas, a canvas where we create diagrams and link their components to source code in a two-way mapping:

1. Click on the diagram component to reveal the underlying source code

2. Click on the source code block to reveal which functionality it serves in the big picture on the diagram

- The app also has a simulations feature where we can create tutorials and runtime simulations directly on the diagram.

- The diagram stays in sync with source code changes. It has a companion scanner that runs on new pull requests to ensure the relevant components of the diagram are updated before merging the PR.

This app allowed me to understand code much faster and also offload the mental fatigue of trying to reason up the big picture by browsing through endless lines of code.

I recommend clicking the "Learn More" button for a 1-pager summary before you hit the demo button.

- App link: https://code-canvas.com - Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/t3ezMyMPqr

After the demo go back to the main page to load your repository and start building your diagram!

Nasser -------

P.S. This is the first time I am putting the app publicly, so any feedback is appreciated!

12 comments

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Very very cool! With the linking of diagram to code, how does it handle a rapidly changing codebase?
This is such a cool concept! I can speak for many devs when I say navigating a new code-base is a pain. As a visual learner myself, I think this has the potential to make my life so much easier as I start on or navigate new repos.
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