troubleshoot-errors

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Diagnose common LikeC4 errors (element not found, unknown kinds, invalid relationships). Provides causes and solutions.

a-scolan By a-scolan schedule Updated 1/19/2026

name: troubleshoot-errors description: Diagnose common LikeC4 errors (element not found, unknown kinds, invalid relationships). Provides causes and solutions.

Troubleshoot LikeC4 Errors

Use this skill when resolving common LikeC4 syntax or reference errors.

Common Issues

"Element not found"

  • Cause: Using short name instead of FQN
  • Solution: Use mySystem.api not api for nested elements

"Unknown element kind"

  • Cause: Invalid or generic element kind
  • Solution: Check projects/shared/spec-*.c4 for valid kinds; use specific kinds like Container_Api not Container

"Invalid relationship kind"

  • Cause: Undefined relationship type
  • Solution: Use defined kinds: calls, async, reads, writes, uses (model) or http, https, tcp (deployment)

Diagram shows unexpected elements

  • Cause: Over-broad wildcard includes like include **
  • Solution: Use scoped wildcards: include mySystem.* or include mySystem.* ->

"instanceOf target not found"

  • Cause: Referencing non-existent or wrong element type
  • Solution: Ensure target is a Container from model, use FQN: instanceOf mySystem.api
Install via CLI
npx skills add https://github.com/a-scolan/c4-hands-on-demo --skill troubleshoot-errors
Repository Details
star Stars 2
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navigation Branch main
article Path SKILL.md
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