ReposLens vs Structurizr: Which Architecture Tool Should You Choose in 2026?
Updated March 2026
Looking for a tool to document or understand your codebase's architecture? Two approaches stand in contrast: Structurizr lets you model your ideal architecture with the C4 model and a dedicated DSL. ReposLens auto-detects the actual architecture from your source code.
This is the fundamental difference between "prescriptive" and "descriptive." Structurizr describes what your architecture should be. ReposLens shows what it actually is. This guide helps you choose the right approach — or combine both.
Structurizr at a glance
Structurizr is an architecture documentation tool created by Simon Brown, the inventor of the C4 model. It lets you define your architecture in a text-based DSL (Structurizr DSL) and generate C4 diagrams at multiple levels: system context, containers, components and code.
Structurizr supports the "diagrams-as-code" approach: your diagrams live in your repo as text files, versioned with Git. It's a powerful tool for architects who want formal, maintainable documentation.
ReposLens at a glance
ReposLens takes the opposite approach: instead of asking you to describe your architecture manually, it extracts it automatically from your code. Connect a GitHub repo, and in 60 seconds you get an interactive map of your modules, dependencies and coupling — without writing a single line of DSL.
Its advantage: it never lies. Unlike a manually maintained diagram that can become outdated, ReposLens always reflects the actual state of the code. And it enforces rules on every PR to prevent drift.
Detailed comparison
| Feature | ReposLens | Structurizr |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | 60 seconds | 15-30 min (DSL learning) |
| Pricing (paid tier) | $190/yr/repo | Free (OSS) / $5+/mo (Cloud) |
| GitHub App / PR checks | ||
| Circular dependency detection | ||
| Interactive visualization | ||
| Auto-documentation | ||
| Monorepo support | ||
| GDPR / Data residency | ||
| Languages supported | TS, JS, Python, Go, Java, Rust, PHP, Ruby, C# | Language-agnostic (manual) |
| Target audience | Solo devs to teams | Architects & tech leads |
| Auto-detects architecture from code | ||
| C4 model diagrams | ||
| Diagrams-as-code (DSL) | ||
| Architecture rule enforcement | ||
| Drift detection (code vs docs) | ||
| Free tier |
Choose Structurizr if...
- •You need formal C4 diagrams to document your architecture
- •The "diagrams-as-code" approach appeals to you (diagrams versioned in Git)
- •You're an architect who wants to model a target architecture before coding
- •Your organization requires formal architecture documentation (ADRs, RFCs)
- •You want a tool that integrates with PlantUML, Mermaid or other diagramming tools
Choose ReposLens if...
- •You want to see the actual architecture of your code without writing anything manually
- •You need architecture rule enforcement on PRs
- •You don't have time to maintain up-to-date diagrams
- •You want to detect circular dependencies, excessive coupling and drift
- •You need instant setup (60 seconds, zero configuration)
- •You work in a team and want rules to be automatically checked
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Structurizr and ReposLens do the same thing?
No. Structurizr is an architecture documentation tool: you manually write a model in the Structurizr DSL, and it generates C4 diagrams (context, container, component, code). ReposLens auto-detects architecture from your source code, with nothing to write manually. One documents what you decide, the other shows what actually exists.
Can you use Structurizr and ReposLens together?
Yes, it's a powerful combination. Use Structurizr to document your target architecture (the "should be") with C4 diagrams. Use ReposLens to see the actual architecture (the "as-is") and detect drift between the two. ReposLens enforces rules to keep code aligned with design.
Does ReposLens generate C4 diagrams?
No. ReposLens generates interactive dependency graphs at the module/file level, not C4 diagrams. If you need formal C4 diagrams for architecture documentation or ADRs, Structurizr is the right choice. If you need to understand and enforce the actual structure of your code, ReposLens is built for that.
Which one is better for a solo developer?
ReposLens. Structurizr requires an initial investment to learn the DSL and keep models up to date. ReposLens installs in 60 seconds and automatically analyzes your code — no model to maintain, no documentation to synchronize.
Ready to see your actual architecture?
Connect a GitHub repo and get your architecture map in 60 seconds. Free, no credit card.
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