codebase-design

To design deep modules with clean interfaces, you classify dependencies, identify the right seam, and concentrate behavior behind a small surface. This approach improves testability, locality, and AI navigability by replacing shallow layers with high-leverage adapters.

A seam in software architecture is a clean boundary where behavior can be modified or replaced without altering the rest of the system. You need an adapter when categorizing dependencies to isolate changes and improve module testability behind a small interface.

To refactor a shallow module cluster, you assess the current shape, identify the best seam, and propose a smaller interface that deepens the module. This concentrates behavior behind a clean boundary, improving locality and AI navigability.

Yes, you can compare alternative interface designs in parallel. The skill supports exploring multiple ways a module could be shaped, guiding you to choose the right seam and evaluate trade-offs for maximum architectural leverage.

The best way to choose a seam for dependency categorization is to evaluate which boundary allows behavior to be replaced efficiently. This involves classifying dependencies and selecting an adapter strategy that isolates changes behind a deep module interface.

You should avoid shallow layers when a module could be shaped into a deep module with a smaller interface. Shallow layers lack leverage, spreading behavior across boundaries, whereas deep modules concentrate behavior behind clean seams for better testability.