Ask HN: Do you use mind maps in your coding practice?

9 pointskentich5mo ago5 comments

I've always used mind maps in my coding practice. When I dive into a new project with an unfamiliar codebase, I analyze it by putting pieces of code directly into a mind map as nodes. Is anyone else here doing the same?

I used to copy and paste code into a separate mind-mapping app, but I eventually developed a Visual Studio / VS Code extension to do this natively. It lets you jump to the linked code with a click on the node. This feature was a game changer in code navigation for me. For reference, the extension is called Code Mind Map (https://codemindmap.com/).

5 comments

PeterStuer5mo ago

Maybe it is just me, but 'mindmaps' to just always feels more like 'oilspills'.

A way of representing mostly hierarchical data in a very inefficient and convoluted way.

kentichOP5mo ago

It doen't have to represent only hierarchical data. I like the flexibility of mind maps, as the connection between nodes are not constrained by a hierarchy. They can represent very loose relation between different parts of the code. Essentially, they reflect your understanding of the code.

runjake5mo ago

To answer your question, no I don't use mindmaps with coding. Your extension looks neat though!

One issue: The "video" demo[1] is rendered too small and very blurry on my Mac.

1. https://codemindmap.com/CodeMindMapAnimatedGif_High_Quality....

kentichOP5mo ago

Thanks!

android5215mo ago

you have less of a need if you don't use Java

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