likec4-architecture

name

likec4-architecture

description

Build and maintain software architecture as code with LikeC4 DSL. Use when tasks mention architecture diagrams, C4/context/container/component views, system landscape, dependency/integration maps, or when the user wants architecture generated/evolved from code. Apply for creating new `.c4`/`.likec4` models, updating existing models, validating with LikeC4 CLI, and preparing preview/build/export outputs.

LikeC4 Architecture

Model software architecture in LikeC4, keep it executable, and return validation-backed outputs.

Workflow

1. Scope the model:

• Identify system boundary and audience.
• Start with context and container views unless user asks otherwise.

2. Locate model files:

• Reuse existing .c4/.likec4 files when present.
• If missing, bootstrap from assets/likec4-starter/docs/architecture/model.c4.

3. Model structure before visuals:

• Define stable element IDs and meaningful names.
• Add explicit directional relationships with short labels.
• Add technology/description fields where helpful.

4. Keep views focused:

• Build small, purposeful views.
• Split crowded diagrams by domain, team, or bounded context.

5. Validate and package:

• Run npx likec4 validate and fix all errors.
• Provide npx likec4 start preview command.
• If requested, provide build/export commands.

Required Quality Gates

• Do not leave unlabeled ambiguous relationships.
• Do not leave orphan elements that never appear in views.
• Prefer domain names over implementation noise in element titles.
• Finish only after successful CLI validation.

Command Set

Use the minimal commands needed for the task:

npx likec4 validate
npx likec4 start
npx likec4 build -o ./dist
npx likec4 export png -o ./assets/architecture

Output Contract

When architecture files change, return:

1. Changed files.
2. Validation result.
3. One-line purpose for each view.
4. Preview/build/export command(s) relevant to the request.

Resources

• CLI and modeling checklist: references/likec4-checklist.md
• Starter model template: assets/likec4-starter/docs/architecture/model.c4
• Bootstrap helper: scripts/bootstrap_likec4_starter.sh