What problem does it solve?
C4 Model helps you document and communicate system architecture at the right level of abstraction, avoiding diagrams that are either too vague or too implementation-heavy.
Core Features & Use Cases
- Multi-level architectural diagrams: Produce Context, Container, Component, and Code views to match audience and timing.
- Diagram-generation formats: Create diagrams using Structurizr DSL and Mermaid (with guidance for PlantUML/draw.io-style outputs as needed).
- Practical governance rules: Apply naming and anti-pattern guidelines (e.g., keep diagrams under ~20 elements, don’t mix levels) so documentation stays maintainable.
- Use Case: When planning an order-processing system, generate a Context diagram first, then refine into Container and Component views as modules and integrations become clearer.
Quick Start
Use the c4-model skill to generate a System Context and Container diagram for an “Order System” with external Payment and Email integrations using Structurizr DSL or Mermaid.