# A Philosophy Of Software Design

Apply John Ousterhout-inspired software design rules when reducing complexity...

- Repository: https://github.com/ciembor/agent-rules-books (3164 stars)
- Category: Design
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-09-10
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add ciembor/agent-rules-books --skill a-philosophy-of-software-design -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add ciembor/agent-rules-books --skill a-philosophy-of-software-design -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add ciembor/agent-rules-books --skill a-philosophy-of-software-design -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add ciembor/agent-rules-books --skill a-philosophy-of-software-design -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Apply John Ousterhout-inspired software design rules when reducing complexity, designing module boundaries, or reviewing APIs and abstractions.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# A Philosophy of Software Design Skill

Use this skill when a task involves module design, API design, information hiding, abstraction depth, cognitive load, or refactoring shallow interfaces.

Before making design or code decisions, read and apply [a-philosophy-of-software-design.mini.md](a-philosophy-of-software-design.mini.md). Use [a-philosophy-of-software-design.md](a-philosophy-of-software-design.md) only as a deeper reference when the mini rules are not enough for the current design tradeoff.