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yEd VS C4 model

Compare yEd VS C4 model and see what are their differences

yEd logo yEd

yEd is a free desktop application to quickly create, import, edit, and automatically arrange diagrams. It runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Unix/Linux.

C4 model logo C4 model

The C4 model for visualising software architecture. Context, Containers, Components, and Code.
  • yEd Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-07-16
  • C4 model Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-14

yEd features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    yEd offers a clean, intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to get started and create diagrams without a steep learning curve.
  • Versatile Diagram Types
    The software supports a wide range of diagram types including flowcharts, UML diagrams, network diagrams, and more, making it versatile for different needs.
  • Automatic Layouts
    yEd provides several powerful automatic layout algorithms that can quickly arrange complex diagrams into clear structures.
  • Cross-Platform
    yEd is compatible with multiple operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility for users across different platforms.
  • Free to Use
    yEd is free to download and use, which makes it an attractive option for individuals and organizations with budget constraints.

Possible disadvantages of yEd

  • Limited Collaboration Features
    yEd lacks built-in real-time collaboration features, which can be a disadvantage for teams needing to work simultaneously on the same diagram.
  • No Mobile Version
    There is no mobile version of yEd, which limits its usability for users who prefer creating diagrams on tablets or smartphones.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic features are user-friendly, some of the more advanced functionalities can have a steep learning curve and may require time to master.
  • Limited Integration Options
    yEd does not offer extensive integration options with other productivity tools or software, which can be a drawback for users looking for a more connected workflow.
  • Occasional Performance Issues
    Users have reported occasional performance issues, especially when dealing with very large and complex diagrams.

C4 model features and specs

  • Simplicity
    The C4 model promotes a simple and clear approach for visualizing software architecture by limiting the number of diagram types and focusing on different levels of detail, making it easy to understand and use.
  • Scalability
    The C4 model scales well with systems of varying complexity, offering different levels of abstraction (Context, Container, Component, and Code) tailored to different audiences and detailed needs.
  • Clarity of Communication
    By dividing the representation of the system into different levels, the C4 model improves communication among stakeholders by providing the right level of detail to the right audience.
  • Standardization
    The model introduces a standard way to create architecture diagrams, making it easier to maintain consistency and understandability across different teams and projects.
  • Focus on Architecture
    C4 places a strong emphasis on architectural elements without becoming tied into specific tooling or technology choices, thus focusing on high-level designs rather than low-level implementation details.

Possible disadvantages of C4 model

  • Learning Curve
    While C4 provides a simplified approach, there is still a learning curve for those unfamiliar with its four different levels of abstraction, especially for newcomers to software architecture.
  • Lack of Tool Support
    Compared to older and more established diagramming approaches, there may be limited tool support for the C4 model, which can make it harder to integrate into some existing workflows.
  • Potential for Over-Simplification
    By focusing only on four levels of abstraction, there's a risk that some important details may be overlooked or oversimplified, leading to incomplete documentation for very complex systems.
  • Subjectivity in Detail
    Deciding what details to include and at which level can be subjective, potentially leading to inconsistencies in diagrams if not clearly defined and standardized across a team.
  • Not Comprehensive
    The C4 model focuses solely on structural organization and may not comprehensively address other architectural concerns such as behavior, performance, or data flow, requiring supplementary models or documentation.

Analysis of yEd

Overall verdict

  • yEd is a good choice for users looking for a robust and versatile diagramming solution. Its free availability and rich features make it a strong contender among diagramming tools.

Why this product is good

  • yEd is considered a powerful diagramming tool because it offers an extensive range of features like automatic layout algorithms, various diagram types, easy-to-use interface, and cross-platform compatibility. It is especially appreciated for its ability to handle large data sets and produce clear, understandable visual representations quickly.

Recommended for

  • Business professionals who need to create organizational charts or flowcharts
  • Software developers who design complex system architectures
  • Researchers and analysts visualizing large data sets
  • Educators preparing educational materials
  • Students managing complex information for projects

yEd videos

yEd Graph Editor in 90 seconds

More videos:

  • Tutorial - yED Graph Editor Tutorial - Make flowcharts, trees, graph Freeware.

C4 model videos

Visualising software architecture with the C4 model - Simon Brown, Agile on the Beach 2019

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to yEd and C4 model)
Diagrams
88 88%
12% 12
Flow Charts And Diagrams
55 55%
45% 45
Flowcharts
100 100%
0% 0
Wireframing
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using yEd and C4 model. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare yEd and C4 model

yEd Reviews

Best 7 Free Online XMind Alternatives for Windows
Another excellent tool that you can use for common and complex visual illustration is yEd. This aims to help users in terms of creating diagrams like UML, flowcharts, network diagram, org chart, and other process illustrations. With this XMind free alternative, you will find every icon and symbol you need for the aforementioned diagrams. On the other hand, users are...
Source: gitmind.com
40 Open Source, Free and Top Unified Modeling Language (UML) Tools
yEd is a desktop application that can be used to quickly and effectively generate high-quality diagrams. Users can create diagrams manually, or import their external data for analysis. yEd’s automatic layout algorithms arranges even large data sets with just the press of a button. yEd is freely available and runs on all major platforms: Windows, Unix/Linux, and Mac OS X.With...

C4 model Reviews

5 great diagramming tools for enterprise and software architects
The C4 model is derived from physical maps: You can look at a location from a high level, like a country, and see your city in the context of other cities and countries. Then you can zoom in to a city level and see major roads and the city's structure. Take another step, and you can see your district or neighborhood; finally, you might zoom down to a street view. C4 mimics...
Source: www.redhat.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, C4 model seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 30 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

yEd mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of yEd yet. Tracking of yEd recommendations started around Mar 2021.

C4 model mentions (30)

  • Show HN: UML diagram for the DDD example in Evans' book
    For the architectural documentation like this one, the C4 Model [0] is a much better fit than UML - primarily because it's less rigid in notation and modeling components. And in terms of tooling, I find IcePanel [1] to have the right combination of flexibility and simplicity. [0] https://c4model.com/ [1] https://icepanel.io/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 months ago
  • How I think about Vaadin application architecture today
    Instead, inspired by the C4 model of visualizing software, I've explored a component based approach, where an application consists of multiple components that interact with each other. These components aren't classified into any particular layer (except, maybe the presentation layer and application layer). - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
  • Common Mistakes in Architecture Diagrams (2020)
    I’m surprised no one has mentioned the C4 approach to diagramming yet, which is a prescriptive approach that helps to avoid most of these mistakes: https://c4model.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • Step outside the Happy Path
    Start by formalizing the architecture. You don’t need heavy enterprise methodologies like TOGAF; use formats that fit the team and product. Frameworks like arc42 are suitable for complex systems, while simpler projects may only need C4 diagrams supplemented with a few additional visualizations. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • C4 Model - The Basics
    Software Architecture is all about developing systems that scale and are maintainable. Clear visualizations will help teams to communicate the design effectively. The C4 model comes in handy for this task! But what is C4, and why should you care? - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing yEd and C4 model, you can also consider the following products

draw.io - Online diagramming application

PlantUML - PlantUML is an open-source tool that uses simple textual descriptions to draw UML diagrams.

LucidChart - LucidChart is the missing link in online productivity suites. LucidChart allows users to create, collaborate on, and publish attractive flowcharts and other diagrams from a web browser.

Mermaid - Create diagrams and visualizations using text and code.

IcePanel - Collaborative modelling and diagramming tool based on the C4 model. Software architecture design made fun! 🧊

OmniGraffle - OmniGraffle is for creating precise graphics like website wireframes, an electrical system designs, or mapping out software class.