C4 Diagrams
Build architecture diagrams following Simon Brown's C4 model, which organizes system structure into focused maps at different abstraction levels—each designed for a specific audience. Choose between Mermaid (default, renders natively on GitHub), Structurizr DSL (for multi-level models), or D2/PlantUML. Start with System Context and Container diagrams; add Component and Code layers only when they clarify design.
C4 Diagrams creates layered architecture visualizations using Simon Brown's C4 model to communicate system structure across technical and non-technical audiences.
AI-generated summary based on this skill's SKILL.md
Install
connorads/dotfiles/c4-diagrams · repository language: Shell
git clone https://github.com/connorads/dotfiles
cp -r dotfiles ~/.claude/skills/c4-diagramsgenerated, unverified - the skill's exact subdirectory could not be determined; check the repository on GitHub
Frequently asked questions
AI-generated answers based on this skill's SKILL.md and metadata
How do I create C4 architecture diagrams?
C4 Diagrams helps you build architecture diagrams following Simon Brown's C4 model, which organizes system structure into focused maps at different abstraction levels. Start with System Context and Container diagrams to establish your foundation. You can choose between Mermaid (which renders natively on GitHub), Structurizr DSL for multi-level models, or D2/PlantUML depending on your needs and complexity.
What are the different levels in C4 model visualization?
C4 Diagrams supports generating context, container, and component level diagrams, with Code layers available when needed. Each level is designed for a specific audience: System Context shows the system and external dependencies, Container breaks down internal structure, Component details subsystems, and Code provides implementation detail. Add deeper layers only when they clarify your design.
Which diagram formats does C4 Diagrams support?
C4 Diagrams offers multiple rendering options: Mermaid (the default, which renders natively on GitHub for easy sharing), Structurizr DSL for comprehensive multi-level architecture models, and D2/PlantUML for alternative visualization styles. Choose based on your platform preferences and the complexity of your architecture documentation needs.
Can C4 Diagrams help me learn C4 methodology?
Yes, C4 Diagrams supports learning C4 diagramming methodology and best practices. The tool guides you through creating diagrams at appropriate abstraction levels for different audiences, helping you understand when to use System Context, Container, Component, and Code layers effectively in your software architecture documentation.
How does C4 Diagrams model enterprise architecture relationships?
C4 Diagrams enables you to model enterprise architecture relationships visually by mapping systems, containers, and components at multiple abstraction levels. This hierarchical approach lets you document how different parts of your architecture interact, making it easier to communicate complex system designs to stakeholders at appropriate detail levels.