c4

To keep C4 diagrams in sync with your codebase, you need a drift-aware workflow that enforces cross-links, propagation across related artifacts, and mermaid conventions. This approach detects conflicts between code and diagram intent before writing updates.

Diagram drift in C4 architecture occurs when code changes make diagrams outdated. You manage drift by enforcing a discipline that propagates changes across related L1–L4 diagrams and surfaces code-vs-intent conflicts for user decisions before writing.

To generate a Level 1 C4 diagram using mermaid, invoke a C4 workflow to draft the initial diagram for your target repository. The draft will conform to mermaid conventions and frontmatter rules, allowing you to review it before writing.

Yes, you can enforce cross-links between Level 1 to 4 C4 diagrams automatically. The workflow applies a drift discipline that ensures changes propagate across related artifacts and maintains structural consistency throughout the hierarchy.

Yes, the C4 drift workflow handles conflict-aware editing when diagrams and code differ. It surfaces code-vs-intent conflicts and requests user decisions before applying any writes, ensuring updates are deliberate and accurate.