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C4 Modeling in Enterprise Architecture

BlueDolphin supports C4 Modeling to help teams visualize software architecture with precision, enabling consistent communication and collaborative design from strategy to implementation.

What is C4 Modeling?

C4 Modeling is a modern, hierarchical approach to visualizing software architecture. Unlike traditional, complex diagrams, the C4 Model structures your architecture across four clear levels of abstraction, tailored to meet the needs of both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Why use C4 Modeling in Enterprise Architecture?

Enhanced communication

Make architecture understandable to everyone. From CTOs to developers, the layered diagrams foster better conversations and alignment.

Documentation consistency

Standardize your architecture views with a clear, reusable framework. Update systems without redrawing the wheel.

Faster onboarding & training

Help new team members grasp your systems quickly - starting with the big picture, and drilling down to code-level insights.

The four levels of the C4 Model

Context diagram

Provides a high-level overview of the system’s environment—users, external systems, and interfaces. Perfect for executive stakeholders and business analysts.

Container diagram

Breaks the system into major containers such as applications, services, and databases. Ideal for understanding high-level architecture and responsibilities.

Component diagram

Zooms into each container to reveal its internal structure—components, services, and how they interact. Useful for software designers and solution architects.

Code diagram

The most detailed layer, showing class and module-level relationships for developers involved in implementation and refactoring.

When should you use the C4 Modeling?

Use the C4 Model when you need to visualize and communicate software architecture at multiple levels of detail:

  • Designing new software systems: Clearly communicate structure and responsibilities across teams during the design phase.

  • Modernizing legacy systems: Break down complex, outdated systems into understandable, maintainable layers.

  • Improving cross-functional communication: Share architecture insights with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Onboarding new team members: Help new developers and architects understand system context quickly.

  • Supporting agile delivery: Integrate lightweight, up-to-date diagrams into iterative workflows.

  • Collaborating across distributed teams: Ensure everyone has a shared, visual understanding of the system.

  • Aligning architecture with business goals: Map components and containers directly to business capabilities and outcomes.

Want to learn more about how to use C4 Modeling in BlueDolphin? Book a demo today.