💡 SaaS Idea: SpecSketch
Web app that converts binary protocol specifications (e.g., Kaitai Struct, YAML, JSON) into interactive SVG/PNG diagrams automatically, making it easy for firmware & hardware engineers to document and share packet/bit-field layouts.
Platform: web
Why it's a good idea?
Problem/Need:
- Firmware & hardware engineers often have to document binary packet/bit-field layouts (register maps, network frames, file headers). The canonical way (RFC ASCII art) is ugly; drawing them in Visio/Excel is tedious.
- Ask-HN post (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30895905) got 51 pts / 17 comments; multiple engineers actively searching for an automatic tool.
Existing solutions / competitors:
- WaveDrom (+ bitfield sub-lib) – 720 global monthly searches, KD 13 (Get_related_keywords ‘wavedrom’). Generates nice SVG but you must hand-write a WaveDrom JSON DSL; no import from Kaitai/YAML/JSON specs.
- Mermaid ‘packet’ diagrams – text DSL, also manual, still young.
- Graphviz struct/table hacks, SVG Bob, org-bitfield, etc. All require manual scripting.
- Kaitai Struct can output Graphviz diagrams but they are hierarchical boxes, not bit-accurate bar diagrams.
- No SaaS that takes an existing spec (Kaitai, protobuf, YAML, JSON schema) and spits out interactive SVG/PNG with zoom/tooltips.
=> White-space for “SpecSketch”.
Search-demand / keyword data (low KD <30):
- “wavedrom” – 720 vol, KD 13 (pass ≥500 rule)
- “bit field diagram” – niche (<100)
- “timing diagr...
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