writing-client-code

Why libs/common cannot import Angular

CLI is a first-class client. Any code in libs/common must work without Angular's dependency injection, decorators, or lifecycle hooks. This is why cross-client services use abstract classes as interfaces — the concrete implementations (Default*, Web*, Browser*, Desktop*, Cli*) live in their respective apps.

Architectural Rationale

Thin components

Components contain only view logic. Business logic belongs in services. This keeps components testable, reusable, and prevents Angular lifecycle coupling from leaking into domain logic.

Composition over inheritance

Avoid extending components across clients. Compose using shared child components instead. Inheritance creates tight coupling between client-specific UI and shared behavior — when one client's needs diverge, inherited components become hard to change safely.

Don't modernize existing code unless asked

The codebase contains both legacy and modern Angular patterns. When modifying an existing file, follow the patterns already in that file. Don't migrate any of these unless explicitly asked: