Software Design

Apply John Ousterhout's "A Philosophy of Software Design" principles pragmatically — focus on the highest-impact issues, not dogmatic compliance.

Mode Selection

Determine mode from context:

• Review mode: User asks to review, audit, or refactor existing code
• Design mode: User is designing new modules, APIs, abstractions, or architecture
• Both: Large tasks involving redesign of existing code

Review Mode

1. Read the code under review

Read all relevant files. Build a mental model of module boundaries, interfaces, and information flow.

2. Evaluate against core principles