anti-patterns

Identify and explain code, architecture, and event-driven anti-patterns.

2|Updated Feb 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/atstaeff/ai-agents --skill anti-patterns-atstaeff
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: anti-patterns
Source: https://github.com/atstaeff/ai-agents/tree/main/skills/anti-patterns
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/atstaeff/ai-agents --skill anti-patterns-atstaeff

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps developers identify and avoid common anti-patterns in code, architecture, and event-driven systems, leading to more robust, maintainable, and scalable software.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Code Anti-Patterns: Detects issues like God Objects, Primitive Obsession, Feature Envy, Shotgun Surgery, and Magic Numbers/Strings with code examples and fixes.
  • Architecture Anti-Patterns: Identifies problems such as Distributed Monoliths, Shared Databases, Big Balls of Mud, Over-Engineering, and Chatty Communication, offering solutions.
  • Event-Driven Anti-Patterns: Addresses issues like Missing Idempotency, Missing Dead Letter Queues, Event Schema Coupling, and Temporal Coupling in events.
  • Use Case: When reviewing a new microservice design, use this Skill to check for potential distributed monolith characteristics or shared database anti-patterns.

Quick Start

Review the provided Python code snippet for any anti-patterns and suggest refactoring improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions about anti-patterns

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I identify and fix common code anti-patterns like God Objects or Primitive Obsession?

To identify code anti-patterns like God Objects and Primitive Obsession, review your codebase for classes handling excessive responsibilities or basic types instead of domain objects. Fix these issues by applying refactoring techniques to distribute logic and encapsulate data properly.

What are common event-driven architecture anti-patterns and how do I resolve them?

Common event-driven architecture anti-patterns include Missing Idempotency, Missing Dead Letter Queues, Event Schema Coupling, and Temporal Coupling. Resolve these issues by ensuring idempotent message processing, implementing failure queues, and decoupling event schemas to improve system resilience.

How can I detect a distributed monolith during a microservice architecture review?

Detect a distributed monolith during a microservice architecture review by checking for tightly coupled services, shared databases, and chatty communication. Address these architecture anti-patterns by decoupling service dependencies and isolating data storage to achieve true scalability.

What is the best way to review code for Magic Numbers and Shotgun Surgery?

The best way to review code for Magic Numbers and Shotgun Surgery is to search for unexplained literal values and track small code changes that require modifications across multiple files. Fix these anti-patterns by replacing literals with named constants and consolidating tightly coupled logic.

Does this approach address over-engineering and Big Ball of Mud architecture anti-patterns?

Yes, this approach addresses over-engineering and Big Ball of Mud architecture anti-patterns by identifying unnecessary complexity and lack of structural design. It provides detection methods and best practices to simplify software architecture and establish clear design boundaries.