C4 DSL Model Extension for Visual Studio Code

Overview

This Visual Studio Code extension enables software architecture modeling using the Structurizr DSL. The Structurizr DSL implements the "diagrams as code" approach (learn more) and provides a textual representation of the C4 model.

The extension includes:

• A language server built on the official Structurizr DSL parser
• Advanced capabilities for architectural description automation
• Diagram visualization
• DSL conversion to other formats

Prerequisites

• Java 17+ (download) - required for the language server
• Workspace containing model files with .dsl extension
• Support for multiple workspaces and !include files

Features

Syntax Highlighting

Field values like name and technology are highlighted when the diagram contains no errors.

Diagram Preview

Error-free diagrams can be previewed by clicking the diagram icon next to the corresponding view.

Code Snippets

The Explorer provides quick access to frequently used code blocks for faster architecture modeling.

ArchOps Server Integration Features

API Specification Parsing

Create components matching API descriptions with method specification imports from:

• Swagger
• WSDL
• Protocol Buffers

Tech Radar Integration

Load technology lists from your company's tech radar when specifying container or interaction technologies.

Capability Tooltips and Completions

Create capability-aware components with descriptions loaded from your company's capabilities map.

Terraform Integration

Generate Terraform scripts for environments with a single click.

Export diagram

Export diagram to drawio and svg formats

Configuration