Backend Patterns

<mission_control> <objective>Apply backend architecture patterns for server design, database interactions, and API structure</objective> <success_criteria>Backend system follows established patterns for scalability, maintainability, and security</success_criteria> </mission_control>

<trigger>When designing server architecture, database interactions, or API structure. Not for: Frontend logic or simple scripts.</trigger>

<interaction_schema> ANALYZE REQUIREMENTS → SELECT PATTERN → IMPLEMENT → VALIDATE </interaction_schema>

Backend patterns for server architecture, database interactions, and API design.

Core Concept

Backend patterns provide proven solutions for common architectural challenges:

• Server architecture: MVC, Layered architecture, Hexagonal (when justified)
• Database interactions: Repository pattern, Unit of Work, Data Mapper
• API structure: REST, GraphQL, RPC (select based on requirements)
• Security: Authentication, authorization, input validation, output sanitization

Pattern Selection Matrix

Requirement	Recommended Pattern	When to Use
Simple CRUD API	REST + MVC	Standard web applications
Complex business logic	Layered architecture	Domain complexity requires isolation
Database abstraction	Repository pattern	Need testable data access layer
Real-time features	WebSocket + Events	Live updates, notifications
High scalability	Microservices (justify)	CLEAR team boundaries, independent deployment

Best Practices

• Prefer simplicity over enterprise patterns when justified
• Use repository pattern for testable database interactions
• Implement proper error handling and logging
• Validate all input and sanitize all output
• Use environment variables for configuration
• Implement proper authentication and authorization
• Design APIs with clear versioning strategy
• Use appropriate HTTP status codes
• Implement rate limiting for public APIs

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Dynamic Sourcing Protocol

<fetch_protocol> MANDATORY FETCH: Before designing REST APIs, fetch the content from:

• https://restfulapi.net/ (REST principles and constraints)
• https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Status (HTTP status codes)

CONDITIONAL FETCH: Fetch https://swagger.io/docs/specification/ only when documenting APIs with OpenAPI.

The local skill focuses on Seed System-specific backend patterns. </fetch_protocol>

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Navigation

Official Documentation:

• REST API standards → https://restfulapi.net/
• HTTP status codes → https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Status
• OpenAPI specification → https://swagger.io/docs/specification/

Local References:

If you need...	Read...
Seed System REST patterns	references/api-patterns.md
Database patterns	references/database-patterns.md
Security patterns	references/security-patterns.md

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Absolute Constraints

<critical_constraint> MANDATORY: Validate all input at API boundaries MANDATORY: Sanitize all output to prevent injection attacks MANDATORY: Use repository pattern for database access (not inline queries) MANDATORY: Implement proper error handling with appropriate status codes MANDATORY: Use environment variables for sensitive configuration (never hardcode secrets) MANDATORY: Implement rate limiting for public APIs

NEVER expose database errors directly to clients NEVER trust client-side validation (server-side validation is mandatory) NEVER hardcode secrets or credentials in code

Choose patterns based on actual requirements, not theoretical future needs. Start simple, add complexity only when justified. </critical_constraint>

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Genetic Code

This component carries essential Seed System principles for context: fork isolation:

<critical_constraint> MANDATORY: All components MUST be self-contained (zero .claude/rules dependency) MANDATORY: Achieve 80-95% autonomy (0-5 AskUserQuestion rounds per session) MANDATORY: Description MUST use What-When-Not format in third person MANDATORY: No component references another component by name in description MANDATORY: Progressive disclosure - references/ for detailed content MANDATORY: Use XML for control (mission_control, critical_constraint), Markdown for data No exceptions. Portability invariant must be maintained. </critical_constraint>

Delta Standard: Good Component = Expert Knowledge − What Claude Already Knows

Recognition Questions:

• "Would Claude know this without being told?" → Delete (zero delta)
• "Can this work standalone?" → Fix if no (non-self-sufficient)
• "Did I read the actual file, or just see it in grep?" → Verify before claiming

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