C4 Architecture
Generate architecture documentation using C4 model Mermaid diagrams.
Install
npx skills add softaworks/agent-toolkit --skill c4-architecture -g -a claude-code -y- Repository
- softaworks/agent-toolkit2.6k
- Category
- Writing
- Updated
- 8mo ago
- License
- MIT
- Context cost
- Mediumabout 2,521 tokens
- Runs scripts
- No, instructions only
What it does
Generate architecture documentation using C4 model Mermaid diagrams. Use when asked to create architecture diagrams, document system architecture, visualize software structure, create C4 diagrams, or generate context/container/component/deployment diagrams. Triggers include "architecture diagram", "C4 diagram", "system context", "container diagram", "component diagram", "deployment diagram", "document architecture", "visualize architecture".
C4 Architecture Documentation
Generate software architecture documentation using C4 model diagrams in Mermaid syntax.
Workflow
- Understand scope - Determine which C4 level(s) are needed based on audience
- Analyze codebase - Explore the system to identify components, containers, and relationships
- Generate diagrams - Create Mermaid C4 diagrams at appropriate abstraction levels
- Document - Write diagrams to markdown files with explanatory context
C4 Diagram Levels
Select the appropriate level based on the documentation need:
| Level | Diagram Type | Audience | Shows | When to Create |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C4Context | Everyone | System + external actors | Always (required) |
| 2 | C4Container | Technical | Apps, databases, services | Always (required) |
| 3 | C4Component | Developers | Internal components | Only if adds value |
| 4 | C4Deployment | DevOps | Infrastructure nodes | For production systems |
| - | C4Dynamic | Technical | Request flows (numbered) | For complex workflows |
Key Insight: "Context + Container diagrams are sufficient for most software development teams." Only create Component/Code diagrams when they genuinely add value.
Quick Start Examples
System Context (Level 1)
C4Context
title System Context - Workout Tracker
Person(user, "User", "Tracks workouts and exercises")
System(app, "Workout Tracker", "Vue PWA for tracking strength and CrossFit workouts")
System_Ext(browser, "Web Browser", "Stores data in IndexedDB")
Rel(user, app, "Uses")
Rel(app, browser, "Persists data to", "IndexedDB")
Container Diagram (Level 2)
C4Container
title Container Diagram - Workout Tracker
Person(user, "User", "Tracks workouts")
