Question 1

What is Tentra?

Accepted Answer

Tentra is an AI-native architecture generator that integrates with your IDE (Cursor, Claude Code) via the Model Context Protocol (MCP). You describe a system in natural language, Tentra generates an interactive visual diagram, and you can export production-ready code in 14 frameworks including Java Spring Boot, Node.js/TypeScript, Python FastAPI, Go, Rust, .NET, Kotlin, PHP, Ruby, Elixir, and Terraform.

Question 2

How does Tentra compare to IcePanel, Structurizr, and Eraser?

Accepted Answer

Tentra is the only architecture tool that lives inside your IDE via MCP, exports real production code (not just diagrams), and automatically scans codebases to detect architecture drift. IcePanel ($40-80/mo) focuses on C4 model visualization. Structurizr uses a DSL that requires manual coding. Eraser.io generates diagrams from prompts but cannot export code. Tentra is free in beta and offers all these capabilities.

Question 3

What programming languages can Tentra export to?

Accepted Answer

Tentra exports production-ready project scaffolds in 14 formats: Java (Spring Boot 3.2), Node.js (Fastify + TypeScript), Python (FastAPI + SQLAlchemy), Go (chi + pgx), Rust (Axum + tokio), .NET (ASP.NET Core 8), Kotlin (Ktor), PHP (Laravel 11), Ruby (Rails 7 API), Elixir (Phoenix 1.7), plus Docker Compose, Terraform, Mermaid diagrams, and Architecture Decision Records (ADR).

Question 4

How do I set up Tentra with Cursor or Claude Code?

Accepted Answer

Add a .mcp.json file to your project root with the Tentra MCP server configuration. Then describe your architecture in natural language — the AI will call Tentra's tools (create_architecture, analyze_codebase, export_architecture, etc.) to generate and manage your system design. Setup takes less than 60 seconds.

Question 5

Can Tentra scan my existing codebase?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tentra's analyze_codebase tool scans your project directory and automatically detects services from package.json (Node.js), pom.xml (Java/Maven), go.mod (Go), pyproject.toml/requirements.txt (Python), docker-compose.yml, Kubernetes manifests, and Terraform files. It infers connections between services, detects databases, queues, and external services, then generates a complete architecture diagram.

Question 6

Is Tentra free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Tentra is currently in free beta. All features are available at no cost including AI architecture generation, 167 cloud components, 14 code export formats, codebase scanning, drift detection, and the full MCP integration. No credit card required.

Question 7

What is the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and how does Tentra use it?

Accepted Answer

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standard that allows AI coding assistants like Cursor and Claude Code to interact with external tools. Tentra provides 9 MCP tools: create_architecture, update_architecture, get_architecture, list_architectures, analyze_codebase, lint_architecture, sync_architecture, export_architecture, and create_flow. These let the AI create, modify, validate, and export architecture designs directly from your IDE.

Question 8

What is architecture drift detection?

Accepted Answer

Architecture drift detection compares your saved architecture diagram against the current state of your codebase. Tentra's sync_architecture tool scans your code, detects what services exist now, and reports differences: services added in code but missing from the diagram, services in the diagram that no longer exist in code, and changed connections. It provides an accuracy score from 0-100.

AI-Native Development: What MCP Means for Software Architecture