atris-backend

Guide backend API, service, and data-access work to avoid over-engineering.

67|3|Updated Oct 20, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/atrislabs/atris --skill atris-backend
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: atris-backend
Source: https://github.com/atrislabs/atris/tree/main/.claude/skills/atris-backend
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/atrislabs/atris --skill atris-backend

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Backend work tends to over-engineer and become hard to maintain. This policy promotes simplicity, consistency, and robust error handling.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Naming & Abstractions: Avoid vague names; require concrete abstractions before generalization.
  • Error Handling: Propagate errors with context to aid debugging.
  • Data Access: Avoid N+1; plan for batch operations.
  • API Design: Consistent, boring but reliable patterns.

Quick Start

Example: Run atris plan, then atris do, then atris review to ensure backend aligns with policy.

Frequently Asked Questions about atris-backend

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I avoid N+1 query problems in my backend API?

N+1 queries occur when fetching a parent record triggers separate queries for each child. Prevent this by planning batch operations upfront, loading related data in a single query, and reviewing your data access patterns before implementation to catch inefficient loops.

What's the best approach to API design for consistency across services?

Consistent API design means using boring, uniform patterns rather than custom abstractions for each endpoint. Define naming conventions, error response shapes, and pagination formats once, then apply them uniformly across all service endpoints to reduce cognitive load and maintenance burden.

How should I handle errors in backend services with proper context?

Propagate errors with full context—include the operation, input values, and system state—rather than generic messages. This contextual error handling speeds debugging and helps distinguish between user input issues, service failures, and data anomalies in your error handling strategy.

When should I create an abstraction versus writing concrete code first?

Write three concrete, working examples of a pattern before abstracting it into a shared component. This rule prevents premature generalization, ensures the abstraction actually solves a real problem, and surfaces edge cases that generic code often misses.

Why does backend code become hard to maintain over time?

Backend over-engineering—vague naming, inconsistent patterns, N+1 queries, and poor error handling—accumulates as services scale. Simplicity and consistency from the start prevent this drift by making patterns obvious to new maintainers and reducing surprise complexity.

Can I use this approach with my existing backend project structure?

Yes, this policy applies to API design, data access patterns, service components, and backend workflows regardless of your current project structure. It focuses on planning, implementation, and review practices that fit into typical backend projects without requiring infrastructure changes.