architecture-aware-init

name	architecture-aware-init
description	Selects architecture paradigm via research before scaffolding. Use when architecture is undecided and the choice needs justification and documentation.
alwaysApply	false
category	project-initialization
tags	["architecture","initialization","research","decision-making","best-practices"]
dependencies	["archetypes:architecture-paradigms"]
tools	[]
usage_patterns	["new-project-setup","architecture-selection","best-practices-research","template-customization"]
complexity	advanced
model_hint	deep
estimated_tokens	1800
progressive_loading	true
modules	["modules/research-flow.md","modules/paradigm-selection.md","modules/scaffold-generation.md","modules/script-integration.md"]

Architecture-Aware Project Initialization

Overview

Project initialization that combines online research, archetype selection, template customization, and decision documentation into one workflow. Use this skill when the architecture is undecided and the choice deserves justification.

When To Use This Skill

• Starting a new project and unsure which architecture fits best
• Wanting modern, industry-standard architecture choices
• Needing justification for architectural decisions
• Wanting templates customized to the chosen paradigm

Use instead of project-init when architecture is undecided. Use before project-specification to establish the architectural foundation.

Required TodoWrite Items

1. arch-init:research-completed: Online research completed
2. arch-init:paradigm-selected: Architecture paradigm chosen
3. arch-init:templates-customized: Templates adapted to paradigm
4. arch-init:decision-recorded: ADR created

5-Step Workflow

Steps 1-2: Gather context, research best practices

Load modules/research-flow.md for the full project-context questionnaire and the three-tier search strategy. Output: a synthesis brief that feeds Step 3.

Step 3: Select the architecture paradigm

Load modules/paradigm-selection.md for the decision matrix (team size by domain complexity) and the special-case overrides (streaming, serverless, microkernel, etc.). Two routes:

• Use the archetypes:architecture-paradigms skill for guided exploration.
• Use the matrix directly for a fast recommendation.

Step 4-5: Customize templates and record the decision

Load modules/scaffold-generation.md for the paradigm-specific directory layouts (Functional Core / Hexagonal / Microservices shown; others delegated to the corresponding archetypes:architecture-paradigm-{name} skill) and the ADR template.

Output: Initialization Package

After completing the workflow, the project has:

1. A directory structure matched to the chosen architecture
2. Configuration that reflects the paradigm (test layout, tooling, dependency hints)
3. An ADR explaining why this paradigm was chosen
4. Links to the relevant paradigm skill for ongoing implementation guidance