composition-patterns

name	composition-patterns
description	Use when writing or reviewing React components, refactoring component APIs, reducing boolean prop proliferation, designing compound components, lifting state into providers, using context interfaces, or applying React 19 composition and ref patterns.
license	MIT
metadata	{"author":"rodrito","version":"1.0.0"}

React Composition Patterns

Composition patterns for building flexible, maintainable React components. Avoid boolean prop proliferation by using compound components, lifting state, and composing internals. These patterns make codebases easier for both humans and AI agents to work with as they scale.

When to Apply

Reference these guidelines when:

• Refactoring components with many boolean props
• Building reusable component libraries
• Designing flexible component APIs
• Reviewing component architecture
• Working with compound components or context providers

Rule Categories by Priority

Priority	Category	Impact	Prefix
1	Component Architecture	HIGH	architecture-
2	State Management	MEDIUM	state-
3	Implementation Patterns	MEDIUM	patterns-
4	React 19 APIs	MEDIUM	react19-

Quick Reference

1. Component Architecture (HIGH)

• architecture-avoid-boolean-props - Don't add boolean props to customize behavior; use composition
• architecture-compound-components - Structure complex components with shared context

2. State Management (MEDIUM)

• state-decouple-implementation - Provider is the only place that knows how state is managed
• state-context-interface - Define generic interface with state, actions, meta for dependency injection
• state-lift-state - Move state into provider components for sibling access

3. Implementation Patterns (MEDIUM)

• patterns-explicit-variants - Create explicit variant components instead of boolean modes
• patterns-children-over-render-props - Use children for composition instead of renderX props

4. React 19 APIs (MEDIUM)

⚠️ React 19+ only. Skip this section if using React 18 or earlier.

• react19-no-forwardref - Don't use forwardRef; use use() instead of useContext()

How to Use

Start with the quick reference above, then open the specific file in rules/ that matches the design decision or refactor. Use references/AGENTS.md only when you need the complete compiled guide.

rules/architecture-avoid-boolean-props.md
rules/state-context-interface.md

Each rule file contains:

• Brief explanation of why it matters
• Incorrect code example with explanation
• Correct code example with explanation
• Additional context and references

Support Files

• rules/ - focused prescriptive checks
• references/ - longer background docs and compiled guides

Full Compiled Document

For the complete guide with all rules expanded: references/AGENTS.md