C4 Architecture
Model and document existing or planned software architectures with the C4 model across...
Install
npx skills add microsoft/hve-core --skill c4-architecture -g -a claude-code -y- Repository
- microsoft/hve-core1.6k
- Category
- DevOps
- Updated
- 3d ago
- License
- CC-BY-4.0 AND MIT
- Context cost
- Mediumabout 1,500 tokens
- Runs scripts
- No, instructions only
What it does
Model and document existing or planned software architectures with the C4 model across System Context, Container, and Component levels plus deployment diagrams, then emit diagrams through a selected renderer. Use when an architect needs audience-appropriate software architecture documentation; use the 'architecture-diagrams' skill for infrastructure topology.
C4 Architecture Skill
Goal
Produce audience-appropriate C4 diagrams for existing systems from code or planned systems from requirements. Create new diagrams with the selected renderer, or update existing diagrams when their renderer is supported.
Supported Diagrams
These defaults apply when creating new diagrams. Updates change only what the request targets.
| Diagram | Generated by default | User selection | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1: System Context | Yes | Which system when several qualify | Who uses the system and what does it interact with |
| Level 2: Container | Yes | None | What separately deployable or runnable units make up a system |
| Level 3: Component | Yes | Which containers when several qualify | What major building blocks sit inside one container |
| Level 4: Code | On request only | Which component to detail | How one component maps to code structures |
| Deployment | Offered when evidenced | Opt-in and which environment | Where container instances run in one named environment |
Supported Renderers
Read the selected renderer reference in full before generating or modifying diagrams. Apply every relevant rule.
| Renderer | Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|
mermaid | references/renderer-mermaid.md | Default |
Process
Follow these steps when activating this skill:
