patterns

name	patterns
description	This skill should be used when recognizing recurring themes, identifying patterns in work or data, or when "pattern", "recurring", or "repeated" are mentioned. For implementation, see codify skill.
metadata	{"version":"1.1.0","related-skills":["codify","codebase-recon","report-findings"]}

Pattern Identification

Observe signals → classify patterns → validate with evidence → document findings.

Steps

1. Collect signals from conversation, code, or data
2. Classify pattern type (workflow, orchestration, heuristic, anti-pattern)
3. Validate against evidence threshold (3+ instances, multiple contexts)
4. Document pattern with constraints and examples
5. If implementation needed, delegate by loading the outfitter:codify skill

<when_to_use>

• Recognizing recurring themes in work or data
• Codifying best practices from experience
• Extracting workflows from repeated success
• Identifying anti-patterns from repeated failures
• Building decision frameworks from observations

NOT for: single occurrences, unvalidated hunches, premature abstraction

</when_to_use>

<signal_identification>

Watch for these signal categories:

Category	Watch For	Indicates
Success	Completion, positive feedback, repetition, efficiency	Pattern worth codifying
Frustration	Backtracking, clarification loops, rework, confusion	Anti-pattern to document
Workflow	Sequence consistency, decision points, quality gates	Process pattern
Orchestration	Multi-component coordination, state management, routing	Coordination pattern

See signal-types.md for detailed taxonomy.

</signal_identification>

<pattern_classification>

Four primary pattern types:

Type	Characteristics	Use When
Workflow	Sequential stages, clear transitions, quality gates	Process has ordered steps
Orchestration	Coordinates components, manages state, routes work	Multiple actors involved
Heuristic	Condition → action mapping, context-sensitive	Repeated decisions
Anti-Pattern	Common mistake, causes rework, has better alternative	Preventing failures

See pattern-types.md for templates and examples.

</pattern_classification>

<evidence_thresholds>

Codification Criteria

Don't codify after first occurrence. Require:

• 3+ instances — minimum repetition to establish pattern
• Multiple contexts — works across different scenarios
• Clear boundaries — know when to apply vs not apply
• Measurable benefit — improves outcome compared to ad-hoc approach

Quality Indicators

Strong Pattern	Weak Pattern
Consistent structure	Varies each use
Transferable to others	Requires specific expertise
Handles edge cases	Breaks on deviation
Saves time/effort	Overhead exceeds value

</evidence_thresholds>

<progressive_formalization>

Observation (1-2 instances):

• Note for future reference
• "This worked well, watch for recurrence"

Hypothesis (3+ instances):

• Draft informal guideline
• Test consciously in next case

Codification (validated pattern):

• Create formal documentation
• Include examples and constraints

Refinement (ongoing):

• Update based on usage
• Add edge cases

</progressive_formalization>

Loop: Observe → Classify → Validate → Document

1. Collect signals — note successes, failures, recurring behaviors
2. Classify pattern type — workflow, orchestration, heuristic, anti-pattern
3. Check evidence threshold — 3+ instances? Multiple contexts?
4. Extract quality criteria — what makes it work?
5. Document pattern — name, when, what, why
6. Test deliberately — apply consciously, track variance
7. Refine — adjust based on feedback

ALWAYS:

• Require 3+ instances before codifying
• Validate across multiple contexts
• Document both when to use AND when not to
• Include concrete examples
• Track pattern effectiveness over time

NEVER:

• Codify after single occurrence
• Abstract without evidence
• Ignore context-sensitivity
• Skip validation step
• Assume transferability without testing

• signal-types.md — detailed signal taxonomy
• pattern-types.md — pattern templates and examples

Identification vs Implementation:

• This skill (patterns) identifies and documents patterns
• codify skill implements patterns as Claude Code components (skills, commands, hooks, agents)

Use patterns to answer "what patterns exist?" Use codify to answer "how do I turn this into a reusable component?"