Architecture as Code for Software Systems

Model, validate, and evolve software architecture — from a single executable to a distributed platform. Textual architecture models that stay in sync with code, enforceable guardrails, and generated diagrams and documents.

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Textual architecture models that stay in sync with code

Enforceable architectural guardrails

Generated diagrams and documents (C4 / arc42 style)

More than a drawing tool

Elan8 is a logic engine that understands what an interface is. Define components, connections, and constraints — validation is built in.

// Elan8 — software application (Application profile)
interface OrderAPI logical { role provider; role consumer }

system OrderServiceApp {
  @profile(value="application")
  module api_layer {
    component orders_api { port orders: OrderAPI }
  }
  module domain_layer {
    component order_service { port api: OrderAPI }
    connect orders_api.orders to order_service.api
  }
}

Generated diagrams

C4-style Component and Container diagrams from your model — not manually drawn.

Version control

Architecture in Git. Review changes like code and keep branches in sync with the rest of your repo.

Single source of truth

Your architecture model is the source of truth. Generated docs stay in sync — no more outdated wikis or Confluence.

Is your ‘Software Architecture Document’ still accurate after the last release? We didn’t think so.

Why software architecture breaks down in practice

Architecture docs rot

Architecture diagrams and docs sit in wikis or Confluence, separate from code. When engineers need to understand the system, they read code, not documents.

Diagrams disconnected from reality

Contracts between components are often only in comments or not documented at all. When someone changes an interface, there's no way to know what breaks downstream.

Microservice sprawl and drift

As systems evolve, architecture documents fall behind. Services multiply; dependencies become unclear. Docs become historical artifacts rather than living specifications.

AI-generated code, more tech debt

AI-assisted coding speeds implementation but increases architectural drift. Without explicit guardrails, generated code and refactors bypass intended boundaries.

Learn more about the problem

Make architecture explicit, versionable, and checkable

Architecture as Code makes your architecture the single source of truth. The Software Architecture Document and diagrams (C4, arc42-style) are generated from it, so they stay in sync.

Architecture as Code (DSL)

Text-based, versioned in Git, and readable by both humans and tools. Architecture becomes part of your codebase.

Interfaces as first-class concepts

Explicitly define interfaces between components. When interfaces change, you can see the impact immediately — and generated docs stay consistent.

Enforceable guardrails

Validation and built-in rules catch violations. Use architecture as guardrails for implementation and for AI-assisted development.

Git-based workflows

Architecture changes go through the same review process as code. Architecture evolves with the product.

What Elan8 is not

Not a diagramming tool — diagrams are output, not input.
Not an IaC replacement — IaC is deployment; Elan8 is architectural intent.
Not SysML — we focus on software architecture, not systems engineering.

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Who It's For

Software architects

Define and evolve application and platform architecture with a single source of truth and generated views.

Platform / cloud architects

Model services, communication, and deployment. Keep container and C4 views in sync with the model.

Senior software engineers

Teams adopting AI-assisted development who want guardrails so generated code respects architectural boundaries.

How It Works

Four steps from architecture model to living documentation and guardrails.

1
Write architecture in Elan8 DSL

Define components, interfaces, connections, and deployment in a text-based model. Version it in Git.
2
Validate with built-in rules

Elan8 checks interface compatibility, connections, and constraints. Catch violations before they reach production.
3
Generate diagrams and documents

C4-style diagrams and Software Architecture Document (arc42-style) are generated from the model — no manual drawing.
4
Use as guardrails for implementation and AI agents

Architecture becomes a verifiable constraint. Use it to guide implementation and to keep AI-generated code within boundaries.

See How It Works

How Elan8 Fits In

Elan8 complements the tools you already use. Here's how it differs.

Elan8 vs diagram tools

Mermaid, PlantUML, and draw.io are great for visuals. In Elan8, diagrams are output, not input. You define architecture; we generate the views.

Elan8 vs IaC

IaC = deployment (Terraform, Helm, K8s). Elan8 = architectural intent. We model what should exist and how it connects; IaC describes how to deploy it.

Elan8 vs ADRs / wikis

ADRs and wikis document decisions. Elan8 is executable and verifiable. The model can be validated and used to generate docs that stay in sync.