A method for deploying an application at a cluster of cloud nodes comprises receiving a component defining the deployment of the application at the cluster of cloud nodes, the component recursively defining a first graph of other components. A component has a mapping from an interface of the component to an interface of any component referenced in the component. The method comprises compiling the received component into instructions for input to an orchestrator of the cluster of cloud nodes; and sending the instructions to the orchestrator to trigger deployment of the application.