Menu
Load project context before making changes. Use when starting work to check available element kinds, relationship types, and tags.
Install with Codex or Claude Copy this prompt, paste it into Codex, Claude, or another assistant, and let it review the skill page and install it for you.
Based on SOC occupation classification
| name | understand-project-structure |
| description | Load project context before making changes. Use when starting work to check available element kinds, relationship types, and tags. |
Use this skill when starting work on a LikeC4 project or before making significant changes.
Before understanding the project, familiarize yourself with the C4 model:
c4-modeling-process skill to understand the methodologyprojects/shared/spec-*.c4 - Source of truth for element kinds, relationship types, and tagsADR/ directory - System architecture decisions using standard ADR formatc4-modeling-process skill to understand design hierarchylist-projects or read-project-summary to get project overviewlikec4.config.json to understand includes and image aliasesprojects/shared/spec-*.c4 for available element kinds, relationship types, and tagsDesign views with proper includes/excludes and basic layout. Use for include patterns, tag filtering, and simple rank hints. For advanced styling/navigation, use customize-view.
Model deployment infrastructure (environments, zones, VMs, apps) with proper hierarchy and instanceOf links. Organize zones into tiers (DMZ, App, Data, Processing) with rich descriptions including VLAN/network specifications.
Use metadata for system models (business/technical context) and markdown tables for deployment models (infrastructure specs). Makes models queryable and self-documenting.
C4 modeling methodology - design system hierarchy top-to-bottom from Context to Components. Ensures consistent, stakeholder-focused architecture documentation.
Manage likec4.config.json includes and image aliases. Ensures relative paths and preserves existing configuration. Support multi-file organization (system-model + system-views + deployment + operations).
Create elements with proper naming (PascalCase kinds, camelCase vars), required metadata (technology, description), and correct hierarchy.