C4 models as code
summary
A text-first C4 workflow is demonstrated: a single Structurizr DSL file becomes a reusable model (people systems containers components) that generates multiple diagrams and a layout JSON, served from Structurizr Lite Docker images or a site generator. Exports include PlantUML, Mermaid, DOT and SVG; a Java CLI/library parses and mutates the workspace. Examples include an eight-service microservice set with per-service container views, implied relationships to avoid duplication, interactive force-graph exploration, and successful renders across all targets.
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chapters (22)
- 0:00C4 models as code intro
- 1:04Traditional diagrams problems
- 3:29C4 model fundamentals
- 5:55Diagramming tools limits
- 8:45Diagrams as code benefits
- 10:10Modeling vs diagramming in C4
- 12:20Structurizr DSL intro
- 16:32Demo: System context diagram
- 18:36Demo: Container diagram
- 20:02Demo: Diagram styles customization
- 23:11Demo: Export to multiple formats
- 26:41Demo: All C4 diagram types
- 27:22Demo: Structurizr site generator
- 28:24Demo: C4vis alternative rendering
- 29:28Demo: Markdown and ADR embedding
- 31:14Modeling microservice architectures
- 35:30Visualizing large architectures
- 36:59Demo: CLI and YAML exports
- 38:43Demo: Java integration
- 40:32Demo: .NET integration
- 41:14Advanced enterprise features
- 42:15Conclusion
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