C4 Models as Code

Explore the concept of "diagrams as code" for creating software architecture diagrams in this conference talk from NDC Porto 2023. Learn about the benefits of text-based diagram creation, including version control, easy diffing, and integration into build pipelines. Discover the limitations of popular tools like PlantUML and Mermaid when working at scale. Dive into the open-source Structurizr DSL, a domain-specific language designed for creating C4 model diagrams. Understand how this approach separates content from presentation, allowing for rendering with various tools and addressing challenges of using the C4 model at scale. Gain insights into improving software architecture documentation and maintaining consistency across multiple diagrams.

C4 models as code - Simon Brown - NDC Porto 2023