system-design
Design and architect software systems. Plans system components, interactions, and deployment patterns for scalability and maintainability.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/qodex-ai/ai-agent-skills --skill system-design- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads system-design automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Software Architecture Development Skill
This skill provides guidence for quality focused software development and architecture. It is based on Clean Architecture and Domain Driven Design principles.
Code Style Rules
General Principles
- Early return pattern: Always use early returns when possible, over nested conditions for better readability
- Avoid code duplication through creation of reusable functions and modules
- Decompose long (more than 80 lines of code) components and functions into multiple smaller components and functions. If they cannot be used anywhere else, keep it in the same file. But if file longer than 200 lines of code, it should be split into multiple files.
- Use arrow functions instead of function declarations when possible
Best Practices
Library-First Approach
- ALWAYS search for existing solutions before writing custom code
- Check npm for existing libraries that solve the problem
- Evaluate existing services/SaaS solutions
- Consider third-party APIs for common functionality
- Use libraries instead of writing your own utils or helpers. For example, use
cockatielinstead of writing your own retry logic. - When custom code IS justified:
- Specific business logic unique to the domain
- Performance-critical paths with special requirements
- When external dependencies would be overkill
- Security-sensitive code requiring full control
- When existing solutions don't meet requirements after thorough evaluation
Architecture and Design
- Clean Architecture & DDD Principles:
- Follow domain-driven design and ubiquitous language
- Separate domain entities from infrastructure concerns
- Keep business logic independent of frameworks
- Define use cases clearly and keep them isolated
- Naming Conventions:
- AVOID generic names:
utils,helpers,common,shared - USE domain-specific names:
OrderCalculator,UserAuthenticator,InvoiceGenerator - Follow bounded context naming patterns
- Each module should have a single, clear purpose
- AVOID generic names:
- Separation of Concerns:
- Do NOT mix business logic with UI components
- Keep database queries out of controllers
- Maintain clear boundaries between contexts
- Ensure proper separation of responsibilities
Anti-Patterns to Avoid
- NIH (Not Invented Here) Syndrome:
- Don't build custom auth when Auth0/Supabase exists
- Don't write custom state management instead of using Redux/Zustand
- Don't create custom form validation instead of using established libraries
- Poor Architectural Choices:
- Mixing business logic with UI components
- Database queries directly in controllers
- Lack of clear separation of concerns
- Generic Naming Anti-Patterns:
utils.jswith 50 unrelated functionshelpers/misc.jsas a dumping groundcommon/shared.jswith unclear purpose
- Remember: Every line of custom code is a liability that needs maintenance, testing, and documentation
Code Quality
- Proper error handling with typed catch blocks
- Break down complex logic into smaller, reusable functions
- Avoid deep nesting (max 3 levels)
- Keep functions focused and under 50 lines when possible
- Keep files focused and under 200 lines of code when possible
FAQ
What does the system-design skill do?
Design and architect software systems. Plans system components, interactions, and deployment patterns for scalability and maintainability.
How do I install system-design?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/qodex-ai/ai-agent-skills --skill system-design in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/system-design/ (personal) or .claude/skills/system-design/ (project).
Which AI agents can use system-design?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is system-design safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains system-design?
It is published by qodex-ai in qodex-ai/ai-agent-skills. It has 215 recorded installs.
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