What is C3 architecture?

C3 stands for Context-Container-Component, a hierarchical documentation methodology that maps architectural intent directly to codebase structures for better maintainability.

Can I use this on existing projects?

Yes, the onboard skill is specifically designed to analyze existing repositories and help you document the current architecture from scratch.

ADR-000 is the initial Architectural Decision Record created by this skill to track the adoption of C3 and serve as the source of truth during the inventory phase.

How does the Socratic discovery process work?

The skill asks targeted questions using the AskUserQuestion tool to identify containers, components, and project goals before generating any documentation files.

Does it create a single documentation file?

No, it strictly enforces a modular structure where each component and container has its own dedicated file to avoid unmanageable monoliths.

C3 Architecture Onboarding

Name: C3 Architecture Onboarding
Author: lagz0ne

bylagz0ne

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Learning & Documentation

Initializes comprehensive C3 architecture documentation for software projects using a structured, three-stage discovery workflow.

The C3 Onboarding skill streamlines the adoption of the Context-Container-Component (C3) architecture methodology within any codebase. It guides developers through a Socratic discovery process to inventory system components, establish container boundaries, and document cross-cutting patterns. By enforcing a standardized, modular directory structure and preventing monolithic documentation, it ensures that architectural intent remains maintainable, searchable, and deeply integrated with the project's actual code structure.

Key Features

017 GitHub stars

02Cross-cutting pattern extraction (refs) for shared logic and conventions

03Automated ADR (Architectural Decision Record) creation for design tracking

04Built-in integrity checks and architecture auditing tools

05Standardized .c3 directory structure generation for containers and components

06Three-stage Socratic discovery workflow: Inventory, Details, and Finalize

Use Cases

01Documenting a complex legacy codebase to improve developer onboarding

02Bootstrapping modular architecture documentation for a new project

03Transitioning monolithic documentation into a structured C3 methodology

What are Skills?·How to Install

Install with 🐟 Skill.Fish

npx skillfish add lagz0ne/c3-skill onboard

For use in Claude.ai and ChatGPT

Download Skill