Key Features of CALM
CALM is designed to revolutionize how we define, validate, and visualize software architectures. Below are some of the core features that make CALM a powerful tool for modern architects.
1. Standardized Definitions​
At the heart of CALM is its JSON Meta Schema, which provides a standardized format for describing system architectures. By using CALM, architects can create consistent, machine-readable definitions of their designs, ensuring that all stakeholders have a clear and uniform understanding of the system.
- JSON-Based: Leveraging JSON for architecture allows for easy integration with other tools and seamless version control.
- Extensible Schema: CALM’s schema can be extended and customized, allowing organizations to tailor it to their specific needs while maintaining core compatibility.
2. Validation and Compliance​
One of the most powerful aspects of CALM is its ability to validate architectures against predefined patterns. This ensures that designs adhere to best practices and organizational standards.
- Pattern-Based Validation: Use CALM’s CLI to validate architectures against approved patterns, catching errors early in the design phase.
- Automated Compliance Checks: Integrate CALM validation into your CI/CD pipeline to enforce compliance automatically, reducing the burden of manual reviews.
3. Visualization​
Understanding complex architectures can be challenging, especially when dealing with large systems. CALM provides visualization tools that generate intuitive, easy-to-understand diagrams directly from your architectural definitions.
- Instant Diagrams: Use the
calm-visualizer
app to generate a diagram from your architecture, facilitating discussions and reviews. - Dynamic Views: Switch between different views of the same architecture, highlighting specific relationships or components as needed.
4. Patterns and Reuse​
CALM supports the creation and reuse of architectural patterns, allowing you to encapsulate common designs and quickly generate them for specific use cases.
- Reusable Components: Define patterns for common architectural structures, such as microservices, API gateways, or data pipelines.
- Pre-Approved Designs: Use pre-approved patterns to speed up development, reduce review times, and ensure consistency across projects.
5. Integration with Existing Tools​
CALM is designed to work with your existing toolchain, making it easy to adopt without disrupting your current workflows.