StructSmith
★ 26
vs
fastapi_mcp
★ 12.0k
StructSmith vs fastapi_mcp
StructSmith: StructSmith is a local-first, open-source tool for modeling software architecture, offering a modern React Flow editor and built-in MCP for AI client integration. It allows users to model, document, and share software architecture with AI assistants, providing a self-hosted alternative to Structurizr.; fastapi_mcp: FastAPI-MCP allows you to expose your existing FastAPI endpoints as Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools. It offers native integration with FastAPI, including built-in authentication using existing dependencies, and preserves schemas and documentation.
01
TL;DR
StructSmithDev Tooling · ★ 26
Designing and documenting software architecture, including using the C4 model.
fastapi_mcpDev Tooling · ★ 12.0k
When to choose:
- You already have a FastAPI application and want to expose its endpoints as MCP tools while reusing your existing FastAPI authentication dependencies and Swagger schemas.
- You want to mount the MCP server directly onto your ASGI app or deploy it separately under an MIT license.
When to skip:
- You are building a standalone MCP server from scratch rather than wrapping a FastAPI app; use FastMCP or the official MCP Python SDK.
- You need an actively updated repository (last push was November 2025).
02
Side-by-Side Comparison
Field
StructSmithfastapi_mcpCategory
Dev Tooling
Dev Tooling
Stars
★ 26
★ 12.0k
License
MIT
MIT
Install Command
docker run -d --name structsmith -p 127.0.0.1:8090:8080 -v structsmith-data:/data --restart unless-stopped ghcr.io/dziksu/structsmith:latest
uv add fastapi-mcp
Updated
1d ago
11mo ago
Open Source
Yes
Yes
Tags
Software Architecture, C4 Model, Architecture Diagramming
FastAPI, MCP, Python
03
Features
StructSmith01Local-first, open-source, MIT licensed with no accounts or telemetry, working fully offline.
02Modern React Flow editor for visualizing and laying out semantic architecture models.
03Built-in Model Context Protocol (MCP) for seamless integration with various AI clients.
04Support for C4 model elements, relationships, views, and semantic nested boundaries.
05Import existing Mermaid diagrams and export to JSON, Mermaid, PNG, or SVG formats.
fastapi_mcp01Authentication built in, using your existing FastAPI dependencies!
02FastAPI-native: Not just another OpenAPI -> MCP converter
03Zero/Minimal configuration required
04Preserving schemas of your request models and response models
05Flexible deployment - Mount your MCP server to the same app, or deploy separately
04
Use Cases
StructSmith↳Designing and documenting software architecture, including using the C4 model.
↳Facilitating architecture workshops and designing system integrations.
↳Collaborating on architecture work with AI assistants.
↳Creating presales and solution architecture diagrams.
↳Documenting existing systems and their components.
fastapi_mcp↳Integrating FastAPI services as tools for large language models (LLMs) that support MCP.
↳Enabling LLMs to interact with and utilize existing business logic and data exposed via FastAPI.
↳Quickly exposing authenticated FastAPI APIs as discoverable and usable tools within an MCP ecosystem.
05
Best For
StructSmith—
fastapi_mcpMost PopularEssential
FAQ
FAQ
What is the difference between StructSmith and fastapi_mcp?
Both StructSmith and fastapi_mcp are in the Dev Tooling category. StructSmith has 26 stars, while fastapi_mcp has 12.0k stars.
Which is better, StructSmith or fastapi_mcp?
The best choice depends on your use case. Choose StructSmith if Designing and documenting software architecture, including using the C4 model., and fastapi_mcp if Integrating FastAPI services as tools for large language models (LLMs) that support MCP..
Is StructSmith free or open source?
Yes, StructSmith is open source on GitHub (MIT).
Is fastapi_mcp free or open source?
Yes, fastapi_mcp is open source on GitHub (MIT).
Cloud Infrastructure
AdDeploy on DigitalOcean
Host your MCP servers, Docker containers, and AI agents with $200 free credit over 60 days.
→