Architecture Diagrams
Table of Contents
Overview
Create clear, maintainable architecture diagrams using code-based diagramming tools like Mermaid and PlantUML for system design, data flows, and technical documentation.
When to Use
- System architecture documentation
- C4 model diagrams
- Data flow diagrams
- Sequence diagrams
- Component relationships
- Deployment diagrams
- Infrastructure architecture
- Microservices architecture
- Database schemas (visual)
- Integration patterns
Quick Start
Minimal working example:
graph TB
subgraph "Client Layer"
Web[Web App]
Mobile[Mobile App]
CLI[CLI Tool]
end
subgraph "API Gateway Layer"
Gateway[API Gateway<br/>Rate Limiting<br/>Authentication]
end
subgraph "Service Layer"
Auth[Auth Service]
User[User Service]
Order[Order Service]
Payment[Payment Service]
Notification[Notification Service]
end
subgraph "Data Layer"
UserDB[(User DB<br/>PostgreSQL)]
OrderDB[(Order DB<br/>PostgreSQL)]
Cache[(Redis Cache)]
Queue[Message Queue<br/>RabbitMQ]
end
// ... (see reference guides for full implementation)Reference Guides
Detailed implementations in the references/ directory:
| Guide | Contents |
|---|---|
| System Architecture Diagram | System Architecture Diagram |
| Sequence Diagram | Sequence Diagram |
| C4 Context Diagram | C4 Context Diagram |
| Component Diagram | Component Diagram |
| Deployment Diagram | Deployment Diagram |
| Data Flow Diagram | Data Flow Diagram |
| Class Diagram | Class Diagram |
| Component Diagram | Component Diagram |
| Deployment Diagram | Deployment Diagram |
Best Practices
✅ DO
- Use consistent notation and symbols
- Include legends for complex diagrams
- Keep diagrams focused on one aspect
- Use color coding meaningfully
- Include titles and descriptions
- Version control your diagrams
- Use text-based formats (Mermaid, PlantUML)
- Show data flow direction clearly
- Include deployment details
- Document diagram conventions
- Keep diagrams up-to-date with code
- Use subgraphs for logical grouping
❌ DON'T
- Overcrowd diagrams with details
- Use inconsistent styling
- Skip diagram legends
- Create binary image files only
- Forget to document relationships
- Mix abstraction levels in one diagram
- Use proprietary formats
