Mermaid 11.4 is out: New Features and Kanban Diagramming
• 2 mins
Mermaid 11.4.0 represents an exciting update, especially for users looking to integrate project management visuals directly into their diagrams. One of the standout features of this release is the introduction of Kanban diagrams. Perfect for managing workflows, Kanban diagrams in Mermaid allow users to create organized, column-based boards like “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done,” reflecting task statuses in a format familiar to project managers and team leads.
Key Features of the Mermaid 11.4 Release
1. Kanban Diagrams
Kanban diagrams bring workflow organization directly into Mermaid. Users can now visualize tasks across various stages, using syntax to define columns, task details, and even external links via the ticketBaseUrl option. This allows for an intuitive approach to tracking work progress, making it possible to visualize ongoing tasks, assign responsibilities, and set priorities within the diagram. For teams using project management tools, Mermaid’s Kanban offers a quick, built-in way to create a snapshot of ongoing work. You can read more in the Mermaid documentation.
2. Class Diagram Enhancements
The 11.4 update also improves class diagrams to support a “hand-drawn” style, lollipop-style interfaces, and customizable class styling. This feature is ideal for developers looking to diagram complex relationships in a visually distinct way. The “hand-drawn” style adds a touch of creativity, ideal for making diagrams feel approachable or informal.
3. Bug Fixes and Improvements
This release addresses several important bug fixes, enhancing the stability and visual integrity of icons and color schemes across different diagram types.
Practical Applications of Kanban Diagrams
The Kanban feature is highly versatile, useful for:
• Project Management: Create workflows to monitor task status from initial to final stages.
• Team Collaboration: Assign tasks and identify roles directly within the diagram, simplifying team updates.
• Progress Tracking: Link to external task managers or ticketing systems, making Mermaid Kanban a connective element in complex workflows.
For a closer look at the release and details on Kanban syntax, you can explore the official release here and Kanban syntax details on Mermaid’s website.