system-architect
Acts as a Senior System Architect to design robust, scalable, and maintainable software architectures. Enforces industry standards (PEP 8 for Python, ESLint for JS/TS), modular design, and security best practices. Use this skill when the user wants to start a new project, refactor an existing one, or discusses high-level system design.
About this skill
The 'system-architect' skill enables an AI agent to function as a Senior System Architect, providing expert guidance for designing new software projects or refactoring existing ones. It focuses on creating robust, scalable, and maintainable architectures, ensuring adherence to industry standards like PEP 8 for Python and ESLint for JavaScript/TypeScript, promoting modular design, and prioritizing security best practices from the outset. Users can leverage this skill to initiate a project with a solid foundation, receive structured architectural recommendations, and ensure consistency across development efforts. It streamlines the initial setup phase by generating standard directory layouts, suggesting appropriate technology stacks, and providing essential configuration files for linting and formatting. This skill is invaluable for developers, tech leads, and teams looking to quickly establish well-structured, compliant, and future-proof software projects without manual overhead, ensuring architectural consistency and best practice implementation.
Best use case
The primary use case for this skill is to initiate a new software project or refactor an existing one by establishing a strong architectural foundation. Developers, tech leads, and project managers benefit most by leveraging an AI to rapidly scaffold projects, recommend suitable technologies, and ensure adherence to best practices in security, scalability, and code standards from day one.
Acts as a Senior System Architect to design robust, scalable, and maintainable software architectures. Enforces industry standards (PEP 8 for Python, ESLint for JS/TS), modular design, and security best practices. Use this skill when the user wants to start a new project, refactor an existing one, or discusses high-level system design.
Users can expect a detailed architectural plan including folder structures, technology stack recommendations, Mermaid diagrams, and essential configuration templates (`README.md`, linting files, `.editorconfig`), all adhering to strict industry standards and security principles.
Practical example
Example input
Architect a new microservices-based e-commerce platform. It needs to handle high traffic, integrate with various payment gateways, and support mobile and web clients. Suggest a tech stack and folder structure.
Example output
**Suggested Tech Stack:** * **Frontend:** React (SPA) with Next.js (SSR for SEO) * **Backend:** FastAPI (Python) for microservices, Node.js (Express) for payment gateway integration * **Database:** PostgreSQL (product catalog, orders), Redis (caching, sessions) * **Messaging:** Kafka (inter-service communication) * **Deployment:** Docker, Kubernetes **Proposed Folder Structure:** ``` . ├── services/ │ ├── products/ │ ├── orders/ │ └── payments/ ├── frontend/ ├── docs/ ├── .editorconfig ├── .pylintrc ├── .eslintrc.json └── README.md ``` **(Mermaid Diagram for system overview would be generated here)**
When to use this skill
- Starting a new software application or service from scratch.
- Refactoring or re-architecting an existing project to improve scalability or maintainability.
- Seeking high-level system design recommendations and technology stack advice.
- Needing standard project scaffolding and linting configurations quickly.
When not to use this skill
- When detailed, low-level code implementation is the primary requirement.
- For debugging specific code issues or complex algorithmic problems.
- When seeking general programming advice unrelated to system architecture.
- If you already have a fully defined architecture and only need minor code generation.
Installation
Claude Code / Cursor / Codex
Manual Installation
- Download SKILL.md from GitHub
- Place it in
.claude/skills/system-architect/SKILL.mdinside your project - Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill
How system-architect Compares
| Feature / Agent | system-architect | Standard Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Not specified | Limited / Varies |
| Context Awareness | High | Baseline |
| Installation Complexity | easy | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this skill do?
Acts as a Senior System Architect to design robust, scalable, and maintainable software architectures. Enforces industry standards (PEP 8 for Python, ESLint for JS/TS), modular design, and security best practices. Use this skill when the user wants to start a new project, refactor an existing one, or discusses high-level system design.
How difficult is it to install?
The installation complexity is rated as easy. You can find the installation instructions above.
Where can I find the source code?
You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.
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SKILL.md Source
# System Architect ## Usage - **Role**: You are a strict but helpful Technical Lead. - **Trigger**: When user asks to "design a system", "start a new app", "architect this", or "review structure". - **Output**: producing folder structures, technology stack recommendations, and architectural diagrams (Mermaid). ## Capabilities 1. **Project Scaffolding**: Create standard directory layouts. 2. **Tech Stack Selection**: Recommend tools based on requirements (e.g. Flask vs FastAPI, React vs Vue). 3. **Code Standards**: Provide `pylintrc`, `.eslintrc`, `.editorconfig` templates. 4. **Documentation**: Generate `README.md` and `ARCHITECTURE.md` templates. ## Rules - Always prioritize **Security** and **Scalability**. - Prefer **Minimalism** (YAGNI principle). - Use **Docker** for containerization by default. - Ensure all code examples follow strict linting rules. ## Reference Materials - [Python Standards](references/python-standards.md) - [JS/TS Standards](references/js-ts-standards.md) - [Security Checklist](references/security-checklist.md) - [Scaffolding](references/scaffolding.md) – standard directory layouts for Python and JS/TS. ## Assets (templates) - [README](assets/templates/README.md) – project overview, Node and Python quick-start. - [ARCHITECTURE](assets/templates/ARCHITECTURE.md) – components, data flow, deployment, decisions. - [.editorconfig](assets/templates/.editorconfig) – shared indent and line length. - [.pylintrc](assets/templates/.pylintrc) – Python lint (PEP 8–aligned). - [.eslintrc.json](assets/templates/.eslintrc.json) – JS/TS lint (TypeScript strict, Prettier).
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