Code Generated Architecture Diagram using Azure DevOps

In modern software development, visualizing system architecture is crucial to ensuring alignment among teams and stakeholders. Traditionally, creating architecture diagrams required manual effort, but with advancements in DevOps practices, automation has made this task significantly easier. In this blog, we’ll explore how Azure DevOps, integrated with platform like FAB Builder, can automate the generation of architecture diagrams, enhancing both productivity and collaboration.

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What is FAB Builder?

FAB Builder is a low-code platform designed to simplify application development and analytics. It empowers developers and non-technical users to create custom apps, track user behavior, and manage customer experiences—all in a unified, interconnected ecosystem. With its generative AI capabilities and pre-built templates, FAB Builder is a versatile tool that integrates seamlessly with Azure DevOps to optimize workflows.

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Automating Architecture Diagrams

The integration of Azure DevOps with platform like FAB Builder allows teams to generate architecture diagrams dynamically. Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Pipeline Configuration
   In Azure DevOps, you can configure a YAML pipeline to automate the generation of architecture diagrams. Using code repositories and CI/CD pipelines, FAB Builder's APIs or custom scripts can be triggered to create these diagrams based on the application codebase.

2. Data Extraction and Modeling
   FAB Builder provides analytics tools to extract metadata from applications. This metadata, such as module dependencies, APIs, and workflows, can be formatted into input data for diagram generation.

3. Rendering Diagrams
   Using diagramming libraries (e.g., Mermaid.js, PlantUML) or third-party tools integrated with Azure DevOps, you can visualize extracted data into architecture diagrams. FAB Builder's seamless integration simplifies data organization and ensures consistency.

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Step-by-Step Implementation

Step 1: Set Up Azure DevOps Pipeline

Add the following YAML configuration to define your pipeline:

trigger:
- main

pool:
  vmImage: 'ubuntu-latest'

steps:
- task: UseDotNet@2
  displayName: 'Install .NET SDK'
  inputs:
    packageType: sdk
    version: '6.x'

- script: |
    echo "Setting up FAB Builder API integration..."
    curl -X POST -H "Authorization: Bearer $(FAB_API_KEY)" -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
      -d '{"project_id": "$(PROJECT_ID)"}' \
      https://fab-builder.example.com/api/architecture/generate
  displayName: 'Generate Architecture Data'

- task: PublishPipelineArtifact@1
  inputs:
    targetPath: '$(System.DefaultWorkingDirectory)/diagrams'
    artifact: 'architecture-diagrams'
    publishLocation: 'Pipeline'
  displayName: 'Publish Architecture Diagram'

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Step 2: Leverage FAB Builder APIs

Use FAB Builder's API to fetch application metadata. Here’s an example of a Python script to retrieve module data:

import requests

API_KEY = "your_fab_api_key"
BASE_URL = "https://fab-builder.example.com/api"

def fetch_architecture_data(project_id):
    headers = {"Authorization": f"Bearer {API_KEY}"}
    response = requests.post(f"{BASE_URL}/architecture/generate", json={"project_id": project_id}, headers=headers)
    if response.status_code == 200:
        return response.json()
    else:
        raise Exception(f"Failed to fetch data: {response.status_code}")

data = fetch_architecture_data("your_project_id")
print("Architecture data generated:", data)

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Step 3: Generate Diagrams

Once the data is fetched, use tools like PlantUML or Mermaid.js to render diagrams. Below is a simple example using PlantUML:

@startuml
class FABBuilder {
    + createApp()
    + fetchAnalytics()
    + generateDiagram()
}

class AzureDevOps {
    + triggerPipeline()
    + fetchCodebase()
}

FABBuilder --> AzureDevOps : "Integrates with"
@enduml

Save this file as architecture.puml and render it into a PNG or SVG using a PlantUML tool in your pipeline.

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Benefits of Automating Architecture Diagrams

1. Real-Time Updates: Automatically generated diagrams reflect the latest application state, reducing manual effort.

2. Improved Collaboration: Teams can visualize complex systems easily, improving communication among stakeholders.

3. Streamlined Processes: Integration with FAB Builder enables faster, data-driven diagram generation aligned with your development workflow.

4. Scalable Solutions: This approach grows with your project, accommodating new modules or features effortlessly.

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Conclusion

By combining Azure DevOps with FAB Builder, you can transform how you create and manage architecture diagrams. This automation saves time, ensures accuracy, and fosters better collaboration within your team. With the FAB Builder platform's low-code capabilities and Azure DevOps' robust CI/CD pipelines, your development processes will be more efficient and innovative than ever.

Ready to automate your architecture diagrams? Explore FAB Builder today!