Software Patterns Primer

Overview

Architectural patterns solve specific structural problems. This skill provides a decision framework for when to apply each pattern, not a catalog to memorize.

Core philosophy: Patterns solve problems. No problem? No pattern needed.

When to Use This Skill

Activate when:

• Designing a new system or major feature
• Adding external service integrations
• Code becomes difficult to test or modify
• Services start calling each other in circles
• Failures in one component cascade to others
• Business logic scatters across multiple locations

Pattern Hierarchy

Foundational (Apply by Default)

These patterns provide the structural foundation for maintainable systems. Apply unless you have specific reasons not to.

Situational (Apply When Triggered)

These patterns address specific problems. Don’t apply preemptively.

→ Foundational Patterns Detail → Situational Patterns Detail

Quick Decision Tree

Is code hard to test?
├─ Yes → Apply Dependency Injection
└─ No → Continue

Is business logic scattered?
├─ Yes → Apply Service-Oriented Architecture
└─ No → Continue

Do services know database details?
├─ Yes → Apply Repository Pattern
└─ No → Continue

Do services call each other in cycles?
├─ Yes → Apply Domain Events
└─ No → Continue

Does external API change break your code?
├─ Yes → Apply Anti-Corruption Layer
└─ No → Continue

Does one slow service break everything?
├─ Yes → Apply Circuit Breaker
└─ No → Current patterns sufficient

→ Complete Decision Trees

Pattern Selection by Problem

“My code is hard to test”

Primary: Dependency Injection Why: Dependencies passed in = dependencies mockable

“I don’t know where business logic lives”

Primary: Service-Oriented Architecture Secondary: Repository (if data access is the confusion) Why: Clear boundaries = clear ownership

“External API changes keep breaking my code”

Primary: Anti-Corruption Layer Why: Translation layer absorbs external volatility

“Services call each other in circles”

Primary: Domain Events Why: Publish/subscribe breaks circular dependencies

“One slow service takes down everything”

Primary: Circuit Breaker Secondary: Retry with Backoff Why: Fail fast prevents cascade

“Database changes ripple through codebase”

Primary: Repository Pattern Why: Abstraction layer isolates data access

→ Real-World Examples

Implementation Priority

When starting a new system:

1. First: Establish DI container/pattern
2. Second: Define service boundaries (SOA)
3. Third: Add Repository for data access
4. Then: Layer situational patterns as problems emerge

When refactoring existing system:

1. First: Identify the specific pain point
2. Second: Apply the minimal pattern that solves it
3. Third: Validate improvement before adding more

Key Principles

Minimal Sufficient Pattern Apply the simplest pattern that solves the problem. Over-architecting creates its own maintenance burden.

Problem-First Selection Never ask “which patterns should I use?” Ask “what problem am I solving?”

Composition Over Prescription Patterns combine. Repository + Domain Events + Circuit Breaker is common for external data sources.

Explicit Over Implicit Dependencies should be visible. Service Locator hides them; DI exposes them.

Navigation

Pattern Details

• Foundational Patterns: DI and SOA implementation guides, when to deviate
• Situational Patterns: Repository, Domain Events, ACL, Circuit Breaker details

Decision Support

• Decision Trees: Complete flowcharts for pattern selection
• Anti-Patterns: Common misapplications and how to recognize them

Implementation

• Examples: Language-agnostic pseudocode for each pattern combination

Red Flags – STOP

STOP when:

• “Let me add all these patterns upfront” → Apply only what solves current problems
• “This pattern is best practice” → Best practice for what problem?
• “We might need this later” → YAGNI – add when needed
• “Service Locator is simpler” → Hidden dependencies cause testing pain
• “I’ll just call this service directly” → Consider if events would decouple better
• “External API is stable, no need for ACL” → APIs always change eventually

ALL of these mean: STOP. Identify the specific problem first.

Integration with Other Skills

• test-driven-development: DI enables testability; TDD validates pattern application
• systematic-debugging: Clear boundaries (SOA) simplify debugging
• root-cause-tracing: Well-structured services have clearer call chains

Pattern Combinations

Common effective combinations:

Remember: Patterns exist to solve problems. Start with the problem, not the pattern.