FlowGPT, a tool utilizing AI technology, is designed to generate flowcharts and is built upon the foundation of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. By leveraging ChatGPT, FlowGPT generates the text content of the flowchart and then employs Mermaid, an open-source JavaScript library, to render the text into an actual flowchart.
Though still in its development phase, FlowGPT has already found practical applications in creating flowcharts for various purposes. These include business process modeling, software engineering, technical documentation, and educational materials.
The tool's strength lies in its ability to quickly and easily create flowcharts, making it particularly advantageous for users who may not be familiar with specialized flowcharting software.
FlowGPT is available for free use, but it requires an OpenAI API key to function. These keys can be obtained by registering for free, though it is important to note that there is a daily usage limit.
Additional technical details about FlowGPT include its foundation in Next.js, langchain, Mermaid, and DaisyUI. To use the tool, users need Node Version >= 18 and must acquire an OpenAI API Key. Installation involves cloning the repository, renaming the env.template file to .env.local, and adding the OpenAI API Key. Development mode can be initiated by running yarn dev, and contributions can be made by forking the repository and submitting pull requests.
Looking ahead, the roadmap for FlowGPT includes plans for features like automatic syntax error detection, a modal to insert the OpenAI API Key from the UI, saving flowcharts to localStorage, and animated flowchart generation, which can be exported as video.
FlowGPT represents a promising tool that has the potential to revolutionize the process of flowchart creation. Its ease of use, powerful capabilities, and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option for those seeking a convenient and efficient way to create flowcharts.