nw-diagram

Generates C4 architecture diagrams (context, container, component) in Mermaid or PlantUML. Use when creating or updating architecture visualizations.

322 stars

Best use case

nw-diagram is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.

Generates C4 architecture diagrams (context, container, component) in Mermaid or PlantUML. Use when creating or updating architecture visualizations.

Teams using nw-diagram should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.

When to use this skill

  • You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.

When not to use this skill

  • You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
  • You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.

Installation

Claude Code / Cursor / Codex

$curl -o ~/.claude/skills/nw-diagram/SKILL.md --create-dirs "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nWave-ai/nWave/main/nWave/skills/nw-diagram/SKILL.md"

Manual Installation

  1. Download SKILL.md from GitHub
  2. Place it in .claude/skills/nw-diagram/SKILL.md inside your project
  3. Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill

How nw-diagram Compares

Feature / Agentnw-diagramStandard Approach
Platform SupportNot specifiedLimited / Varies
Context Awareness High Baseline
Installation ComplexityUnknownN/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this skill do?

Generates C4 architecture diagrams (context, container, component) in Mermaid or PlantUML. Use when creating or updating architecture visualizations.

Where can I find the source code?

You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.

SKILL.md Source

# NW-DIAGRAM: Architecture Diagram Generation

**Wave**: CROSS_WAVE | **Agent**: Morgan (nw-solution-architect) | **Command**: `*create-diagrams`

## Overview

Generate architecture diagrams from design documents. Supports C4 model levels (context|container|component) in Mermaid|PlantUML|C4 format. Audience-appropriate: high-level context for stakeholders|component details for developers|deployment topology for operations.

## Context Files Required

- docs/product/architecture/brief.md (SSOT — component boundaries, technology stack, design decisions)

## Workflow

1. **Read Context** — Load `docs/product/architecture/brief.md`. Extract component boundaries, technology stack, and design decisions. Gate: architecture brief loaded.
2. **Resolve Configuration** — Determine `diagram_type` (component|deployment|sequence|data|context), `format` (mermaid|plantuml|c4), `level` (context|container|component), and `output_directory`. Gate: all configuration parameters resolved.
3. **Invoke Agent** — Delegate to `@nw-solution-architect` with `*create-diagrams` for `{architecture-component}`, passing context files and resolved configuration. Gate: agent invoked with all parameters.
4. **Validate Output** — Verify diagrams render without syntax errors and files exist in `output_directory`. Gate: all success criteria pass.
5. **Handoff** — Return deliverables to invoking agent. Gate: architecture diagrams available in configured format.

## Success Criteria

- [ ] Diagrams accurately represent current architecture
- [ ] Audience-appropriate detail level applied
- [ ] Diagrams render without syntax errors
- [ ] Output files created in configured directory

## Next Wave

**Handoff To**: {invoking-agent-returns-to-workflow}
**Deliverables**: Architecture diagrams in configured format

## Examples

### Example 1: Generate C4 container diagram
```
/nw-diagram payment-service --diagram_type=component --format=mermaid --level=container
```
Morgan reads architecture docs and produces a Mermaid container diagram showing service boundaries, data stores, and external integrations.

## Expected Outputs

```
docs/product/architecture/
  system-context.{ext}
  component-architecture.{ext}
  deployment-architecture.{ext}
```

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