tools-visual-ascii-arch

name	tools-visual-ascii-arch
description	Express product, service, or data architectures through layered ASCII diagrams suitable for terminals, PRs, and ADRs.

ASCII Architecture Mapping

Intent

• Provide quick system overviews when graphical tools aren’t available.
• Maintain multiple zoom levels (context, container, component) in text form.

Inputs

1. List of components/services/contracts.
2. Interaction types (sync, async, queues, blockchain events).
3. Deployment/runtime context (devices, regions, environments).

Workflow

1. Choose framing
   • Context diagram (users ↔ system).
   • Container diagram (services, DBs, queues).
   • Component diagram (modules, classes, contracts).
2. Apply layout grid
   • Use +---+ boxes for nodes, |/- for edges.
   • Keep consistent spacing (2 spaces between layers).
3. Annotate flows
   • Label arrows with protocols (HTTP, gRPC, L1 tx).
   • Use ~> for async events, => for sync calls.
4. Layer metadata
   • Add footnotes for SLAs, owners, repos.
   • Indicate platform-specific components (e.g., [iOS], [Windows agent]).
5. Version and reuse
   • Store diagrams in .factory/diagrams/<topic>.txt.
   • Link from AGENTS.md or skills that need system context.

Verification

• Diagram fits within 100 characters width; no tab characters.
• All components labeled; directional arrows show data/control flow.
• Latest version referenced in related skills/docs.