| name | boo-alternatives |
| description | Generates and compares implementation alternatives for Ruby on Rails decisions. Use when choosing between architectural approaches, query patterns, service boundaries, framework features, or rollout strategies. Triggers on alternatives, tradeoffs, option A/B, design choice, compare approaches, or should we use X vs Y. |
Rails Alternatives
Overview
Use this skill when a single answer is risky or when decisions involve meaningful tradeoffs.
LSP Recommendation
Strongly recommend enabling LSP before running this skill:
ENABLE_LSP_TOOL=1 in the shell running Claude/Codex.- Run from the Rails app root directory.
- Ensure a Ruby LSP backend is available in the app bundle (
ruby-lsp and/or solargraph).
If LSP is not enabled, continue execution but call out lower confidence on dependency-impact analysis.
Alternative Generation Rules
Always provide at least two and usually three options:
- Conservative option: lowest risk, highest convention fit.
- Balanced option: best overall tradeoff.
- Aggressive option: highest speed or leverage with more risk.
Comparison Dimensions
Score each option using:
- Delivery Speed.
- Complexity.
- Security/Data Risk.
- Performance Impact.
- Maintainability.
- Reversibility.
Recommendation Rule
State one recommended option and explicitly justify it. Do not provide options without a recommendation unless user asks for neutral comparison only.
Output Contract
- Option Matrix.
- Recommended Path.
- Why Not the Others.
- Migration/Rollback Plan.
Final Summary (Required)
Always end execution with:
- Recommended option and reason.
- Key tradeoffs accepted.
- Main risk and mitigation.
- Rollback/reversibility note.
- Immediate execution step.
References
Load references/external-resources.md for architectural and Rails guideline references.
