Welcome to CloudBlocks¶
CloudBlocks is a visual cloud learning tool for beginners — start from guided templates, learn common architecture patterns, and export Terraform starter code. Everything runs in your browser. No cloud account or backend required.
- :material-school:{ .lg .middle } **Learn Cloud Architecture**
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Follow guided scenarios to learn cloud infrastructure patterns step by step — from your first VNet to a full three-tier web app.
[:octicons-arrow-right-24: First Architecture](user-guide/first-architecture.md)
- :material-rocket-launch:{ .lg .middle } **Quick Start**
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Install locally and launch the builder in under 2 minutes.
[:octicons-arrow-right-24: Get started](user-guide/quick-start.md)
- :material-shield-check:{ .lg .middle } **Validation**
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Real-time constraint checking ensures your architecture follows cloud best practices.
[:octicons-arrow-right-24: Learn more](user-guide/validation.md)
- :material-lightbulb:{ .lg .middle } **Core Concepts**
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Understand blocks, connections, templates, and the 8 resource categories.
[:octicons-arrow-right-24: Read concepts](user-guide/core-concepts.md)
Your First Architecture in 4 Steps¶
| Step | What You Do | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open the builder (live demo or local) | Quick Start |
| 2 | Load a guided template and follow the steps | First Architecture |
| 3 | Customize — add blocks, connect, validate | Editor Basics |
| 4 | Export Terraform starter code to keep learning | Code Generation |
Key Concepts¶
CloudBlocks uses a block-based composition model where everything snaps together:
- Container blocks — Logical boundaries (VPC, resource group, subnet). Container blocks hold other blocks.
- Resource blocks — Cloud resources (VM, database, storage, function). Resource blocks sit inside container blocks.
- Connections — Typed links between blocks (http, data, event).
- Templates — Pre-built architecture patterns you can load, learn from, and customize.
New to cloud architecture? Start with First Architecture from a Template — it walks you through a real-world pattern step by step.
What Can You Build?¶
| Pattern | Description | Template |
|---|---|---|
| Three-Tier Web App | Frontend + API + database with networking | Built-in |
| Serverless API | Functions + API gateway + storage | Built-in |
| Event-Driven Pipeline | Queues + event hubs + processing | Built-in |
| Custom Architecture | Start from scratch — any cloud pattern | Blank canvas |
Features at a Glance¶
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Guided Templates | 6 built-in architecture patterns with step-by-step learning scenarios |
| Learning Mode | Interactive guided scenarios to learn cloud architecture patterns (V1 Core) |
| Visual Builder | Drag-and-drop editor with grid snapping and auto-layout |
| Validation Engine | Real-time rule checking for placement, connections, and constraints |
| 8 Resource Categories | Network, Delivery, Compute, Data, Messaging, Security, Identity, Operations |
| Terraform Starter Export | Export your design to Terraform starter code for Azure, AWS, or GCP |
| Multi-Cloud Support | Azure-first templates with Terraform starter code for Azure, AWS, and GCP (details) |
| Dual Theme System | Workshop (light) and Blueprint (dark) themes |
| Bicep & Pulumi | Additional IaC export formats (Experimental, Azure only) |
Learn More¶
- :material-book-open-variant:{ .lg .middle } **Templates**
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Browse all 6 built-in architecture patterns and learn how to customize them.
[:octicons-arrow-right-24: Templates](user-guide/templates.md)
- :material-pencil-ruler:{ .lg .middle } **Blank Canvas Mode**
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Build a custom architecture from scratch without a template. Recommended after completing guided scenarios.
[:octicons-arrow-right-24: Blank canvas](advanced/blank-canvas.md)
- :material-file-document:{ .lg .middle } **Architecture Model**
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The domain model behind CloudBlocks — block types, categories, and connection semantics.
[:octicons-arrow-right-24: Domain Model](model/DOMAIN_MODEL.md)
- :material-code-braces:{ .lg .middle } **Terraform Starter Export**
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Export your design to Terraform starter code for Azure, AWS, or GCP. Bicep and Pulumi are also available _(Experimental, Azure only)_.
[:octicons-arrow-right-24: Learn how](advanced/code-generation.md)
Contributing¶
Interested in contributing to CloudBlocks? See the Contributing Guide for development setup, coding standards, and the PR process.