# likec4 LikeC4 is an open-source architecture-as-code tool — a modeling language and toolset for describing software architecture and generating live, interactive diagrams from code. Inspired by the [[C4 Model]] and Structurizr DSL, but more flexible: you define your own element types, notation, and arbitrary nesting levels instead of being constrained to C4's fixed four levels. Licensed under MIT. ## Key Features - **Architecture as code**: Write architecture models in LikeC4's DSL, get always up-to-date diagrams - **Customizable notation**: Define your own element types, relationships, and visual styles - **Multi-level nesting**: Unlimited hierarchy depth, not limited to C4's four levels - **Interactive diagrams**: Generated visualizations are navigable and explorable - **VSCode extension**: Integrated editing experience with live preview - **CLI tool**: `npx likec4 start` for local preview and development - **Online playground**: Try it without installing anything ## How It Works 1. Describe your architecture in `.likec4` files using the DSL 2. Run `npx likec4 start` to preview diagrams locally 3. Diagrams update live as you edit the model 4. Export or embed the generated visualizations ## Installation ```bash npm install likec4 ``` Also available as a VSCode extension and an online playground at https://playground.likec4.dev. ## Tech Stack Built with [[TypeScript]], using the Langium DSL framework, Astro, and MDX. ## References - GitHub: https://github.com/likec4/likec4 - Playground: https://playground.likec4.dev - Template: https://github.com/likec4/template ## Related - [[C4 Model]] - [[Software Architecture]] - [[Diagrams as Code]] - [[Structurizr]] - [[Documentation]]