Explore, Analyze & Document Template

This template provides a comprehensive structure for creating software analysis reports, architecture documentation, and legacy modernization assessments.

Purpose

Use this template to:

• Analyze existing software systems and architectures
• Document technical debt and modernization opportunities
• Create architecture decision records (ADRs)
• Generate comprehensive project analysis reports
• Document requirements and system specifications
• Produce stakeholder-ready documentation

Structure

explore-analyze-document/
├── README.md                          # This file
├── index.html                         # Main HTML report entry point
├── 01-executive-summary.md            # High-level overview
├── 02-system-overview.md              # Current system description
├── 03-architecture-analysis.md        # Architecture deep-dive
├── 04-code-analysis.md                # Code quality and metrics
├── 05-technical-debt.md               # Technical debt assessment
├── 06-modernization-strategy.md       # Modernization roadmap
├── 07-requirements-analysis.md        # Requirements documentation
├── 08-risk-assessment.md              # Risk analysis
├── 09-recommendations.md              # Strategic recommendations
├── 10-appendix.md                     # Supporting information
├── source-code-for-analysis/          # Input: Source code to analyze
├── external-docs/                     # Input: External documentation
└── assets/                            # Supporting files
    ├── diagrams/                      # Architecture diagrams
    ├── styles.css                     # HTML styling
    └── scripts.js                     # Interactive features

Folder Descriptions

source-code-for-analysis/

Directory for placing source code files that need to be analyzed by Mia Flow.

Purpose: Input folder where you place the source code or project files that Mia Flow will analyze to generate the software analysis report.

Usage:

• Copy or clone the source code repository into this folder
• Mia Flow will scan and analyze the code structure, dependencies, and quality metrics
• Supports multiple programming languages and frameworks
• Can include entire repositories or specific modules

Best Practices:

• Include the complete codebase for comprehensive analysis
• Ensure all dependencies are documented (package.json, requirements.txt, etc.)
• Include configuration files (docker-compose.yml, .env.example, etc.)
• Keep the code clean and organized for better analysis results

external-docs/

Directory for placing external documentation, specifications, and reference materials.

Purpose: Input folder for existing documentation that Mia Flow should reference during analysis, including architecture documents, requirements specifications, API documentation, and design documents.

Usage:

• Place existing architecture documents (PDFs, Word docs, Markdown)
• Include API specifications (OpenAPI/Swagger, Postman collections)
• Add requirements documents and user stories
• Include design documents and ADRs (Architecture Decision Records)
• Reference materials from previous audits or assessments

Supported Formats:

• Markdown (.md)
• PDF documents
• Word documents (.docx)
• Text files (.txt)
• OpenAPI/Swagger specs (.yaml, .json)
• Confluence exports
• Wiki pages

Best Practices:

• Organize documents in subdirectories by type (e.g., api/, architecture/, requirements/)
• Use descriptive filenames with dates when relevant
• Include a manifest or index file listing all documents
• Remove outdated or deprecated documentation
• Keep documents up-to-date with the current system state

assets/

Contains all supporting assets for the HTML report, including styling, scripts, and visual diagrams.

Purpose: Provides the visual and interactive elements for the professional HTML report output.

Contents:

• styles.css: Professional CSS styling with responsive design, dark mode support, and print-friendly layouts
• scripts.js: JavaScript for interactive features including navigation, search, smooth scrolling, and print functionality
• diagrams/: Subdirectory for architecture and system diagrams

Features:

• Responsive design (desktop, tablet, mobile)
• Interactive navigation with smooth scrolling
• Search functionality across report content
• Print-optimized styling
• Dark mode support
• Professional color scheme and typography

assets/diagrams/

Directory for storing architecture diagrams, flowcharts, and visual representations of the system.

Purpose: Centralized location for all visual documentation including architecture diagrams, data flow diagrams, deployment diagrams, and entity relationship diagrams.

Recommended Tools:

• Mermaid (text-based diagrams)
• PlantUML (UML from text)
• Draw.io (visual editor)
• Lucidchart (professional diagramming)
• Excalidraw (hand-drawn style)

Best Practices:

• Use descriptive filenames (e.g., system-architecture-overview.png)
• Export in multiple formats (PNG, SVG, PDF)
• Include source files for future editing
• Keep diagrams focused and not overly complex
• Update diagrams when architecture changes
• Version control both source and exported files

Usage with Mia Flow

This template is designed to be populated by Mia Flow's AI-powered analysis capabilities:

1. Automatic Analysis: Mia Flow scans your project and populates the markdown files
2. Architecture Discovery: Generates architecture diagrams and component maps
3. Code Metrics: Analyzes code quality, complexity, and maintainability
4. Technical Debt: Identifies areas requiring modernization
5. Report Generation: Compiles findings into HTML reports

Output Formats

Markdown

• Human-readable source documents
• Version control friendly
• Easy to edit and customize
• Supports code blocks, tables, and diagrams

HTML

• Professional presentation format
• Interactive navigation
• Printable reports
• Stakeholder-ready output

Customization

Edit the markdown files to add:

• Custom sections specific to your project
• Additional analysis criteria
• Organization-specific templates
• Branding and styling

Best Practices

1. Start with executive summary for stakeholder communication
2. Include quantitative metrics wherever possible
3. Add visual diagrams to illustrate architecture
4. Prioritize recommendations by impact and effort
5. Include code examples to support findings
6. Update regularly as the project evolves

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Generated with Mia Flow - AI-Powered Software Analysis Platform