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Structurizr VS Terrastruct

Compare Structurizr VS Terrastruct and see what are their differences

Structurizr logo Structurizr

Structurizr is a workspace editor that creates software architecture diagrams and documentation based on the C4 model.

Terrastruct logo Terrastruct

A diagramming tool for software architecture
  • Structurizr Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-23
  • Terrastruct Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-11-06

Terrastruct is a diagramming tool specialized for complex systems, such as your organization's software architecture or the domain your business operates in.

Structurizr

Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Release Date
-

Terrastruct

$ Details
freemium $4.99 / Monthly
Release Date
2020 January

Structurizr features and specs

  • Expressiveness
    Structurizr allows architects to create detailed and expressive architecture diagrams using a code-based approach. This can lead to clearer and more precisely defined diagrams compared to traditional diagramming tools.
  • Version Control
    Because Structurizr uses a code-based approach to create diagrams, it integrates smoothly with version control systems like Git. This makes tracking changes and collaborating on architecture diagrams easier.
  • Auto Layout
    Structurizr can automatically lay out diagrams, reducing the manual effort required and helping maintain consistent styling and positioning across diagrams.
  • Modularity
    Structurizr enables modularizing diagram definitions, allowing architects to reuse components across different diagrams, improving maintainability and consistency.

Possible disadvantages of Structurizr

  • Learning Curve
    New users may face a learning curve as they need to get familiar with the Structurizr DSL (domain-specific language) or the various libraries available for different programming languages.
  • Less Interactive
    Compared to interactive GUI-based tools, Structurizr can be less intuitive and lacks direct manipulation of elements on diagrams, which might be a drawback for users who prefer a visual approach.
  • Limited Customization
    While Structurizr provides layout features, customization options in terms of visual styling may be limited compared to more traditional diagramming tools.
  • Integration Complexity
    Integrating Structurizr with existing systems and environments might be complex, especially for teams used to GUI-based tools, which could result in additional setup time.

Terrastruct features and specs

  • Visual Clarity
    Terrastruct provides a clear and intuitive interface for visualizing complex systems and processes, making it easier to understand and communicate ideas.
  • Collaboration
    It supports collaboration among team members, allowing for real-time editing and feedback, enhancing teamwork and productivity.
  • Layered Diagrams
    Terrastruct offers layered diagrams, enabling users to view different levels of detail and context, which is useful for dissecting complex projects.
  • Integration
    The tool integrates with popular project management and development tools, enhancing workflow and consolidating resources.
  • Customization
    Users can customize diagrams extensively with various shapes, connectors, and annotations to suit specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of Terrastruct

  • Learning Curve
    There is a learning curve associated with mastering Terrastruct, especially for users who are not familiar with diagramming tools.
  • Cost
    Terrastruct might be pricey for small teams or independent users, as advanced features often come with higher subscription fees.
  • Overhead
    The tool may add overhead to projects if teams spend too much time perfecting diagrams instead of focusing on development.
  • Feature Complexity
    With numerous features and capabilities, some users may find the tool complex and overwhelming, requiring time to explore and leverage all functionalities.
  • Internet Dependency
    As a cloud-based solution, Terrastruct requires a stable internet connection to function optimally, which may not be ideal in environments with poor connectivity.

Structurizr videos

Simon Brown: C4 Architecture Model and Structurizr

Terrastruct videos

Terrastruct Review

More videos:

  • Review - Detailed walkthrough of Terrastruct

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Structurizr and Terrastruct)
Diagrams
46 46%
54% 54
Flowcharts
46 46%
54% 54
Design Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Developer Tools
36 36%
64% 64

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Structurizr and Terrastruct

Structurizr Reviews

Top 7 diagrams as code tools for software architecture
Structurizr builds upon “diagrams as code”, allowing you to create multiple diagrams from a single model using a number of tools and programming languages.

Terrastruct Reviews

We have no reviews of Terrastruct yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Terrastruct should be more popular than Structurizr. It has been mentiond 15 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.

Structurizr mentions (8)

  • Could someone give me some feedback on my first 2 diagrams?
    You are welcome! It’s a nice way of breaking down problems. You can go one step further and generate them from code using something like Structurizr (https://structurizr.org/) if you want to get fancy. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • System Design How to?
    Regarding documentation, I created the C4 model for visualising software architecture as a way to introduce some structure into architecture diagrams, because even today most of what I see is still ad hoc boxes and arrows, with little thought into what (abstractions) and how (notation) an architecture is described. My own tooling (https://structurizr.org) allows you to create multiple diagrams from a single model,... Source: about 2 years ago
  • D2, a text-to-diagram tool and library written in Go
    Would love to see a comparison to structurizr, which is a higher level dsl that essentially renders to any of the other three you're comparing. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Diagram as Code
    I just watched a goto conference talk by Simon Brown on https://structurizr.org/. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • Diagrams as Code 2.0
    You can look at https://structurizr.org/ for a free version. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

Terrastruct mentions (15)

  • From SVG to Canvas – A new way of building interactions
    i'm building a diagramming tool (https://terrastruct.com) and still umm and ah b/t it. I'm kind of waiting for webgpu to reach 95+% browser support before switching though. If I do all the work of switching, SVG better not get gpu/hardware-acceleration support the next day. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Top 7 diagrams as code tools for software architecture
    D2 from Terrastruct is a diagram scripting language that turns text into diagrams. - Source: dev.to / about 2 years ago
  • free-for.dev
    Terrastruct.com — Online diagram maker specifically for software architecture. Free tier up to 4 layers per diagram. - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
  • [Help wanted] Looking for an enterprise friendly SaaS for drawing diagrams from text
    Thank you! Yeah, you can play with it on https://terrastruct.com. Apologies that it requires an account right now, it'll have a playground that doesn't require an account soon. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: Visualizing software designs, especially of large systems (if at all)?
    I'm a big fan of Terrastruct (https://terrastruct.com/). They focus on building great software for visualizing complex software architecture. Their secret sauce is this idea of attention where they allow you to zoom in and out so you can get the 10 foot view or 10,000 foot view, whatever you find most useful. - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Structurizr and Terrastruct, you can also consider the following products

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

draw.io - Online diagramming application

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

Diagrams for Mac - A diagram editor for visualizing structures and processes

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.

Isoflow - Create beautiful cloud diagrams in minutes