Source: http://codermike.com/starting-c4
Getting Started with C4 by Mike Minutillo on Coder Mike is a blog post introducing the C4 Model. The C4 model is a way of allowing users to communicate and describe software architecture. This model is composed like a software system that is made up of containers, that each have components that are then implemented by classes. Lastly, context which is basically a description of the parts of the system or their relationships between each other. These four, context, containers, components, and classes is what makes up C4. Furthermore, Mike goes in-depth in explaining how it helped his situation from starting from a blank white board. By starting with a context diagram, he is able to map out the different problems of their design and revise it for the next version. This process would be repeated until they are satisfied and can continue down the right path.
Tools are developed over time to solve common issues faced in society today, by not utilizing existing tools provided by to us today would be a waste. Learning about UML Diagrams, would eventually lead into learning C4 Model. This model also utilizes UML diagrams in the classes section for its intended use. The idea of being able to clearly represent and describe parts of a software system like the UML diagrams purpose for classes makes this a worthwhile read. The various models within the model such as System context is extremely valuable to me because it allows me to explain how everything pieces together from a higher-level view.
Much like UML diagrams, the author stated that it your initial diagram doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s going to change over time. The value of being able to show, explain, and revise is much better than time spent working out a grandeur solution. Utilizing the different diagrams will grant a much better time spent on projects certainly when there is no clear starting point like Mike pointed out. First starting with Context diagram will explain what things do and their relationships to each other. Then we can go into the container diagram, where you separate important bits into parts like a database or an app. From there I can then start grouping related functions into components which is then accompanied by classes explained using UML diagrams. These four diagrams will provide a nice guide for myself and group members during implementation and provides proper documentation.
From the blog CS@Worcester – Progression through Computer Science and Beyond… by Johnny To and used with permission of the author. All other rights reserved by the author.
