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So, to you, "Tool" or "Language" do NOT imply that you can use it independently of a specific online service?

I mean, I agree, that "new" is marketing speak for "alpha/beta", but -to me- there is a difference between a "language/tool" and a "Single-Vendor-WebService". Or is my understanding of the semantics of the English language outdated?




Not even outdated - just incorrect. There have been proprietary tools longer than there have been computers, it's the point of patents - grant a monopoly on your proprietary tool for X years in exchange for making it's workings public knowledge.

Even patents aside, why wouldn't this D2 thing qualify as:

   COMPUTING
    a piece of software that carries out a particular function, typically creating
    or modifying another program.
(source: google "define tool")

While it isn't creating or modifying a program, I'd consider "parsing text in a specific syntax to create a diagram" more like a compiler than a site that just provides information or crud sites with some forms. I'm not entirely certain how where it runs affects it's tool status, but it certainly is a consideration to be made while evaluating it for any particular use case.

(also from define tool:

   a thing used in an occupation or pursuit.
and depending on where you stand on the "thingness" of software may also apply here, but that feels diversionary)

I can think of quite a few single vendor languages - various IBM mainframe languages like JCL, K, matlab, multiple .Net and MS languages until recently, applescript, etc.




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