Legend 4s. C4 Model: Revolutionizing Software Architecture Visualization

How does the C4 model differ from traditional diagramming approaches. What are the benefits of using a modeling approach for software architecture. Can the C4 model handle large and complex software systems effectively.

Understanding the C4 Model for Software Architecture

The C4 model has emerged as a powerful tool for visualizing software architecture, offering a fresh perspective on how we represent complex systems. Unlike traditional diagramming methods, the C4 model provides a structured approach that enables developers and architects to create clear, comprehensive representations of software systems at various levels of abstraction.

What is the C4 Model?

The C4 model, which stands for Context, Containers, Components, and Code, is a hierarchical approach to describing and communicating software architecture. It allows for the creation of maps of your code at various zoom levels, each level providing a different perspective on the system.

• Context: The big picture view of the system
• Containers: The high-level technology choices
• Components: Logical components within containers
• Code: The actual implementation details

Diagramming vs. Modeling: A Paradigm Shift

To truly appreciate the value of the C4 model, it’s essential to understand the fundamental difference between diagramming and modeling in software architecture visualization.

The Limitations of Traditional Diagramming

Traditional diagramming approaches have long been the go-to method for visualizing software architecture. They offer a low barrier to entry and are perceived as a simpler task. However, this simplicity comes with several drawbacks:

• Ad hoc notation: Diagrams often use inconsistent or non-standard notations
• Semantic limitations: Diagramming tools typically don’t understand the meaning behind the boxes and lines
• Duplication issues: Reusing elements across diagrams often involves copying and pasting, leading to potential inconsistencies
• Limited querying capabilities: It’s challenging to extract specific information about dependencies or relationships

The Power of Modeling

Modeling, on the other hand, offers a more robust approach to software architecture visualization. By building a non-visual model of the software system, architects can create multiple views (diagrams) based on a single, consistent representation. This approach provides several advantages:

• Semantic understanding: Modeling tools can comprehend the relationships and dependencies within the system
• Consistency: A single definition for all elements ensures coherence across different views
• Intelligent querying: The ability to extract specific information about components and their relationships
• Automatic visualization: Tools can generate alternative views based on the underlying model

Addressing Complexity with the C4 Model

One of the primary challenges in software architecture visualization is dealing with large and complex systems. Traditional diagrams quickly become cluttered and difficult to understand when representing systems with numerous components and relationships.

How does the C4 model handle complexity?

The C4 model tackles this issue through its hierarchical approach:

1. Abstraction levels: By providing multiple levels of detail, C4 allows for focused views at different scales
2. Consistent notation: A standardized set of symbols and conventions improves clarity
3. Relationship management: Clear representation of dependencies and interactions between components
4. Scalability: The model can be adapted to systems of varying sizes and complexities

Practical Applications of the C4 Model

The C4 model’s versatility makes it applicable across various scenarios in software development and architecture. Let’s explore some practical use cases:

System Documentation

The C4 model serves as an excellent framework for creating comprehensive system documentation. Its hierarchical nature allows for both high-level overviews and detailed component descriptions, catering to different stakeholders’ needs.

Architecture Planning

When planning new systems or major refactoring efforts, the C4 model provides a structured approach to mapping out the architecture. It helps in identifying potential issues, dependencies, and areas for improvement early in the development process.

Communication Tool

The C4 model’s clear and consistent notation makes it an effective communication tool. It bridges the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders, facilitating better understanding and collaboration across teams.

Implementing the C4 Model: Best Practices

To maximize the benefits of the C4 model, consider the following best practices:

• Start with the big picture: Begin with the context diagram to establish the system’s overall purpose and interactions
• Maintain consistency: Use consistent naming and notation across all levels of the model
• Focus on clarity: Avoid cluttering diagrams with excessive detail; use the hierarchical nature of C4 to provide detail at appropriate levels
• Update regularly: Keep the model up-to-date as the system evolves to ensure its ongoing relevance
• Use appropriate tools: Leverage modeling tools that support the C4 approach for more efficient creation and maintenance of diagrams

Overcoming Challenges in Adopting the C4 Model

While the C4 model offers numerous benefits, its adoption may face some challenges. Understanding these challenges and how to address them is crucial for successful implementation.

Learning Curve

The shift from traditional diagramming to the C4 model requires a change in mindset and approach. To overcome this:

• Provide training and resources to team members
• Start with small projects to build familiarity
• Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members

Tool Selection

Choosing the right tools to support the C4 model can be challenging. Consider the following when selecting tools:

• Support for C4 notation and hierarchical modeling
• Integration with existing development workflows
• Collaboration features for team-wide adoption
• Scalability to handle large and complex systems

Future Trends in Software Architecture Visualization

As software systems continue to grow in complexity, the field of architecture visualization is likely to evolve. Some potential trends include:

AI-Assisted Modeling

Artificial intelligence could play a significant role in automating certain aspects of architecture modeling, such as:

• Suggesting optimal component arrangements
• Identifying potential architectural issues or inconsistencies
• Generating documentation based on the model

Dynamic Visualization

Future tools might offer more dynamic, interactive visualizations of software architecture, allowing for:

• Real-time updates reflecting system changes
• Interactive exploration of dependencies and relationships
• Integration with live system monitoring and performance data

Cross-Platform Integration

As software ecosystems become more diverse, architecture visualization tools may evolve to better represent:

• Multi-cloud deployments
• Hybrid on-premise and cloud architectures
• Complex microservices ecosystems

Case Studies: C4 Model in Action

Examining real-world applications of the C4 model can provide valuable insights into its effectiveness. Let’s look at a couple of hypothetical case studies:

Case Study 1: E-commerce Platform Modernization

A large e-commerce company used the C4 model to plan and execute a major platform modernization effort. The hierarchical approach allowed them to:

• Map out the existing monolithic architecture at the container level
• Design a new microservices-based architecture using component diagrams
• Communicate the transition plan to both technical and business stakeholders
• Identify critical integration points and potential bottlenecks early in the process

The result was a smoother transition, better alignment between teams, and a more scalable final architecture.

Case Study 2: Financial Services API Platform

A financial services company leveraged the C4 model to document and improve their API platform. They found the following benefits:

• The context diagram helped clarify the platform’s role in the larger ecosystem
• Container diagrams illustrated the high-level technology choices and their interactions
• Component diagrams allowed for detailed analysis of each API’s internal structure
• The consistent notation improved communication between development teams and external partners

This comprehensive view led to improved API design, better documentation, and more efficient integration processes for their partners.

Integrating C4 with Other Architecture Practices

While the C4 model is powerful on its own, it can be even more effective when integrated with other architecture practices and methodologies. Consider the following combinations:

C4 and Domain-Driven Design (DDD)

The C4 model can complement Domain-Driven Design by:

• Using bounded contexts as a guide for defining containers and components
• Aligning the ubiquitous language of DDD with the naming conventions in C4 diagrams
• Visualizing the relationships between different domains and subdomains

C4 and Microservices Architecture

For organizations adopting microservices, the C4 model can provide valuable insights:

• Container diagrams can represent individual microservices and their interactions
• Component diagrams can detail the internal structure of each microservice
• The model can help identify opportunities for service decomposition or consolidation

C4 and DevOps Practices

Integrating C4 modeling into DevOps workflows can enhance both development and operations:

• Using C4 diagrams to inform infrastructure-as-code definitions
• Incorporating deployment and scaling information into container diagrams
• Leveraging C4 models to improve incident response and system understanding

By combining the C4 model with these and other practices, organizations can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to software architecture and development.

Porsche Starts 2020 With 911 Carrera 4S Belgian Legend Edition

Jacky Ickx is no spring chicken. Born on January 1st of 1945, the Belgian racing driver is one of the most celebrated names in motorsport thanks to countless achievements and feats, including six victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Ickx represents to the Belgian people what Michael Schumacher is to Germany, more so if you consider his Formula 1 accolades, Can-Am Championship title in 1979, and Dakar Rally win with Mercedes in 1983. Aged 75, Jacky is also connected to Porsche in more than one way. The first time the 917 was fielded at the Circuit de la Sarthe, he drove the GT40 to the finish line 120 meters ahead of the purpose-built land missile from Zuffenhausen in Germany.

Fast-forward to 2020, and Porsche couldn’t help themselves but pay tribute to the Belgian racing driver with a limited edition of the 992 in Carrera 4S flavor. The Belgian Legend Edition is how this 911 is called, limited to 75 examples of the breed to mirror the motorsport maestro’s age – one for each year. Oh, and by the way, these X Blue-painted cars are only available to order in Belgium.

The exterior paintwork is complemented by a badge on the driver-side B-pillar, showing the Belgian flag and Jacky’s signature. The 20- and 21-inch Carrera Classic wheels are beautified by white accents, representing a tribute to the blue-and-white helmet wore by Ickx during his heyday. Even the cabin brings the point home with cross stitching in Pebble Grey, an autograph embossed in the center armrest, and Belgian Legend Edition on the carbon-fiber sill guards.

The finishing touch comes in the guise of a key fob, color-matched to the exterior paintwork, beating the Le Mans legend’s signature. The initiative for this limited-run model came from the Belgian importer – D’ieteren – who made a case for the contributions Ickx made to Weissach for the better part of a decade.

There’s no price tag available for the Belgian Legend Edition, but we do know the output figures for the all-wheel-driven sports car. The 992 generation in Carrera 4S specification comes with a 2,981-cc boxer twin-turbo engine, rated at 450 PS (444 horsepower) and 391 pound-feet (530 Nm) of torque. With the eight-speed PDK and Sport Chrono package, zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) is doable in 3.4 seconds while top speed is rated at 306 km/h (190 mph).

The C4 model for visualising software architecture

Diagramming vs modelling

As an industry, we’ve tended to prefer diagramming over modelling, primarily because the barrier to entry is relatively low, and it’s seen as a much simpler task.
When you’re diagramming, you’re typically creating one or more separate diagrams, often with an ad hoc notation, using tools (e.g. Microsoft Visio or a whiteboard)
that don’t understand anything about the semantics of your diagrams. The domain language of diagramming tools is really just boxes and lines, so you can’t ask them questions such as “what dependencies does component X have?”.
Additionally, reusing diagram elements across diagrams is usually done by duplication (i.e. copying and pasting), thereby putting the responsibility on you to keep diagrams in sync when you rename such elements.
It’s worth noting here that the C4 model can be used irrespective of whether you are diagramming or modelling, but there are some interesting opportunities when you progress from diagramming to modelling.

With modelling, you’re building up a non-visual model of something (e.g. the software architecture of a software system), and then creating different views (e.g. diagrams) on top of that model.
This requires a little more rigour, but the result is a single definition of all elements and the relationships between them.
This, in turn, allows modelling tools to understand the semantics of what you’re trying to do, and provide additional intelligence on top of the model.
It also allows modelling tools to provide alternative visualisations, often automatically.

One of the frequently asked questions (above) is about diagramming large and complex software systems.
Once you start to have more than ~20 elements (plus the relationships between them) on a diagram, the resulting diagram starts to become cluttered very quickly.
For example, image 1 (below) is a component diagram for a single container.

One approach to dealing with this is to not show all of the components on a single diagram, and instead create multiple diagrams, one per “slice” through the container (image 2, below).
This approach can certainly help, but it’s worth asking whether the resulting diagrams are useful.
Are you going to use them and, if so, what are you going to use them for?
Although the System Context and Container diagrams are very useful, Component diagrams for large software systems often have less value because they are harder to keep up to date, and you might find that very few people look at them anyway, especially if they are not included in documentation or presentations.

Once you have more than ~20 elements on a diagram, the diagram starts to become cluttered very quickly.

Creating multiple diagrams, one per “slice”, can help, although the resulting diagrams tend to be very simple and increase the effort needed to keep them up to date.

Rather than creating a diagram, you can use alternative visualisations instead. This visualisation shows the dependencies between components inside a container.

And this alternative visualisation shows all of the elements and relationships in the model, filtered to show a subset of the model.

Often, the diagrams themselves aren’t the end-goal, with teams using the diagrams to answer other questions that they have, such as, “what dependencies does component X have?”.
If this is the case, building a model will allow you to answer such questions, without the additional effort of creating a diagram.
In other words, once you have a model, you can visualise it in a number of different ways (images 3 and 4, above), helping to answer the real questions that you are seeking to answer.
Diagrams certainly are a fantastic way to communicate software architecture, but other visualisations can sometimes help answer the real underlying questions that you might have.

Chris Cairns ‘on life support’ after cricket legend suffers medical emergency | Cricket | Sport

New Zealand cricket legend Chris Cairns is on life support after suffering a medical emergency, reports say. The 51-year-old collapsed in Australia after a freak medical episode. Cairns suffered an aortic dissection in the Australian capital Canberra last week and has had several operations since.

The New Zealand Herald claims Cairns is now fighting for his life after an infection set in.

Cairns has not responded to surgery as hoped since collapsing last week.

The former all-rounder will be transferred to a specialist hospital in Sydney soon.

Cairns is regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest ever cricketers.

He played 62 Tests, scoring 3320 runs and taking 218 wickets.

Cairns, the son of former New Zealand cricketer Lance, also played 215 ODIs, where he hit almost 5000 runs and took 201 wickets.

His international career spanned 17 years from 1989 to 2006.

After playing, Cairns became a commentator for Sky Sport in New Zealand.

Cairns was embroiled with controversy following his playing career.

He faced allegations of match fixing on more than one occasion dating back to his playing days, all of which he denied.

Cairns won a lawsuit against IPL commissioner Lalit Modi after the Indian claimed the all-rounder had been removed from the player auction in 2010 due to a “past record of match fixing”.

Cairns won the libel trial against Modi and was awarded damages in 2012.

He was named as one of the players to have allegedly fixed the now defunct Indian Cricket League, which ran from 2007 to 2009.

Former New Zealand cricketers Brendon McCullum and Lou Vincent both claimed Cairns approached them about fixing matches.

Cairns worked hard to clear his name and was found not guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice at Southwark Crown Court in 2015.

Cairns and his wife Mel have lived in Canberra for several years with their children.

He is the chief executive of virtual sport company SmartSportz.

Furnace Vesuvius Legend Standard 16 (door DT-4S)

Description of the furnace Vesuvius Legend Standard 16 (door DT-4S)

The Legend Standard 16 cast-iron sauna stove is equipped with a Vesuvius DT-4S cast-iron non-hermetic door with SCHOTT ROBAX heat-resistant glass. The convection-ventilated casing “Standard” is made of a metal rod with a diameter of 6 mm, painted with black heat-resistant paint.The furnace firebox consists of 3 elements. At the junction between them, a ceramic cord with an operating temperature of 1200 degrees is used. A bolted connection is used to fix the parts together.

The manufacturer reserves the right to change the country of manufacture, product characteristics, appearance and completeness without prior notice to the seller. Check the information with the managers!

1. Delivery methods

* each 1 km outside the Moscow Ring Road additional 30 rubles

** For complete information on the delivery of oversized cargo, see the section Delivery and Payment

2.

Methods of payment

By bank card online on the website YuMoney (Y.Money)

Cash to the courier QIWI wallet

Sberbank-online WebMoney

Cashless payments

You can return the goods if a manufacturing defect, defects or other damage was found.The return period is carried out within 14 days from the date of purchase of the goods.

Return of goods is carried out in full compliance with the legislation of the Russian Federation, including the Law on Consumer Rights.

Detailed information on returns and exchange

Sauna stove Vesuvius Legenda Standard 16 (DT-4S)

Specifications:

Dimensions (D * W * H)	690 * 560 * 700 mm
Weight	95 kg.
Minimum steam room volume	8 cubic meters
Maximum steam room volume	18 cubic meters
Flue diameter	120 mm
Furnace view	With extension
Furnace material	Cast iron
Heater	Open
Water heating	No
Door view	With glass
Mass of stones to be laid	120 kg.

PHOTOS OF OUR WORKS WITH VEZUVIUS BATH STOVES:

The portable firebox of the model of wood-burning bath equipment Legenda Standard 16 (DT-4S) allows you to immediately install it in a room near the wall with a dressing room. The elongated furnace tunnel is led out into an adjacent room, and there is more space in the steam room. At the same time, however, in the same place, into the dressing room, there is a door with a fireplace glass, which increases the level of comfort due to the possibility of observing the fire through it.Therefore, the stove can be installed anywhere in the room. The parameters of the model are sufficient for servicing 8-16 cubic meters of a steam room. Moreover, it is recommended to heat the air using a high-speed firewood burning mode (the retractable ash pan is fully open to improve air access), and then switch to an economical one. The second mode makes it possible to use a portion of firewood for 4-6 hours – usually this is more than enough for one steam cycle. And you should use the stove no more than 1-2 times a week, then it will be able to serve you for at least 10-15 years.In order for the steam to spread through the steam room as evenly as possible, the stove is equipped with a mesh heater for 120 kg of stones. The advantage of this option is to protect people from heat, as well as to increase the decorative characteristics of the equipment. Moreover, stones can be placed inside the mesh that additionally decorate the interior (for example, quartzite) and improve well-being (talcochlorite, jadeite).

Crash Test of the Cast Iron Furnace Vesuvius:

# Nuoku Legend leather case (book) for Apple iPhone 4 / 4S (+ film) from 0 rub.for iPhone 4 / 4S

Detailed specification of Nuoku case for Apple iPhone 4 / 4S.

Nuoku Legend Leather Case (Book), made and released for Apple iPhone 4 / 4S, is capable of constantly presenting you with surprises that you could not even guess! For example, the first time you pick up this accessory, you will be amazed at its lightness and subtlety. However, during operation, you will be even more surprised – with such a minimalist structure, the cover will withstand simply stunning loads, both tensile and mechanical.In addition, it is incredibly wear-resistant – you can rarely find a deep scratch on it, and there can be no talk of scuffs or dirt at all.

You will also definitely like the ergonomic, discreet, but at the same time sophisticated design of the case. Tightly wrapping around the smartphone, repeating its bends, it has clever compartments on the inner surface of the front panel for business and plastic cards, banknotes, etc.

The cover contains all the necessary cutouts that can provide instant and convenient access to the basic functional components of the device (camera, microphone, speaker), and also allow you to connect an additional headset.

Nuoku Legend leather case (book) for Apple iPhone 4 / 4S (+ film) is a very convenient and practical accessory, perfect for a gift!

Description:

• Manufactured by Nuoku;
• Personalized for Apple iPhone 4 / 4S;
• Material: synthetic high quality leather;
• Form: book case.

Features:

• Eliminates the appearance of scratches and abrasions;
• Amazing shock absorption in any impact;
• Textured surface;
• Not subject to deformation;
• Undemanding care.

Chose # Nuoku Legend Leather Case (Book) for Apple iPhone 4 / 4S (+ Film)?

Place an order profitably for yourself!
Choose products from the “Cheaper Together” section and save up to 50% on accessories when you buy a set.
Please note that discounts are not cumulative. When using a certificate or promo code, we will apply a larger discount to your order.

Headphones and Headsets with a 10% discount

Monopods with 8% discount

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Belgian Legend Edition

Jackie X is a true motorsport legend. The Belgian driver has won six Le Mans, eight Formula 1 and even the Dakar Rally. In the 70s and 80s of the last century, he made a significant contribution to the sporting success of Porsche, so the fact that a special edition of the latest iconic 911 generation dedicated to this driver is being prepared should not surprise anyone. The idea for its development came from the Belgian Porsche importer, D’ieteren, which also contributed to the final appearance of the car.

The

911 Belgian Legend Edition features a body paint called X Blue, modeled on Jackie’s blue and white helmet.Interestingly, the first 992 are varnished as part of the Paint to Sample program developed by the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, thanks to which customers can order a car in almost any color of their choice. Other body features include B-pillar markings with the Belgian flag and Ickx signature and 20-inch Carrera Classic alloy wheels at the front and 21-inch X-Blue at the rear with white accents. The latter, made in a special laser engraving, is also a reference to Jakki’s helmet, which had a distinctive white border.

The interior is finished in black upholstery with distinctive Pebble Gray stitching on the dashboard and X-shaped door, another subtle reference to Master X. His autograph was also placed on the armrest, key and leather case. The corresponding “Belgian Legends Edition” lettering is also found on the carbon side skirts.

The Porsche 911 in this version, like the “regular” Carrera 4S, is equipped with a twin turbocharged B6 3 engine. 0 with 450 hp, which transmits 530 Nm of torque to both axles through an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The

Belgian Legend Edition will only be produced in 75 pieces and will only be available on the Belgian market. There will be many interested parties. Moreover, all limited editions of the previous 991 series are sold on the trunk. In the gallery, we recall the most famous of them.

.