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package/dist/defaults/skill/open-prose/patterns.md

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+---
+role: best-practices
+summary: |
+see-also: 
+- prose.md: Execution semantics, how to run programs
+- docs.md: Full syntax grammar, validation rules
+- antipatterns.md: Patterns to avoid
+created: 2026-01-09
+updated: 2026-01-09
+---
+
+# OpenProse Design Patterns
+
+This document catalogs proven patterns for orchestrating AI agents effectively. Each pattern addresses specific concerns: robustness, cost efficiency, speed, maintainability, or self-improvement capability.
+
+---
+
+## Structural Patterns
+
+#### parallel-independent-work
+
+When tasks have no data dependencies, execute them concurrently. This maximizes throughput and minimizes wall-clock time.
+
+```prose
+# Good: Independent research runs in parallel
+parallel:
+  market = session "Research market trends"
+  tech = session "Research technology landscape"
+  competition = session "Analyze competitor products"
+
+session "Synthesize findings"
+  context: { market, tech, competition }
+```
+
+The synthesis session waits for all branches, but total time equals the longest branch rather than the sum of all branches.
+
+#### fan-out-fan-in
+
+For processing collections, fan out to parallel workers then collect results. Use `parallel for` instead of manual parallel branches.
+
+```prose
+let topics = ["AI safety", "interpretability", "alignment", "robustness"]
+
+parallel for topic in topics:
+  session "Deep dive research on {topic}"
+
+session "Create unified report from all research"
+```
+
+This scales naturally with collection size and keeps code DRY.
+
+#### pipeline-composition
+
+Chain transformations using pipe operators for readable data flow. Each stage has a single responsibility.
+
+```prose
+let candidates = session "Generate 10 startup ideas"
+
+let result = candidates
+  | filter:
+      session "Is this idea technically feasible? yes/no"
+        context: item
+  | map:
+      session "Expand this idea into a one-page pitch"
+        context: item
+  | reduce(best, current):
+      session "Compare these two pitches, return the stronger one"
+        context: [best, current]
+```
+
+#### agent-specialization
+
+Define agents with focused expertise. Specialized agents produce better results than generalist prompts.
+
+```prose
+agent security-reviewer:
+  model: sonnet
+  prompt: """
+    You are a security expert. Focus exclusively on:
+    - Authentication and authorization flaws
+    - Injection vulnerabilities
+    - Data exposure risks
+    Ignore style, performance, and other concerns.
+  """
+
+agent performance-reviewer:
+  model: sonnet
+  prompt: """
+    You are a performance engineer. Focus exclusively on:
+    - Algorithmic complexity
+    - Memory usage patterns
+    - I/O bottlenecks
+    Ignore security, style, and other concerns.
+  """
+```
+
+#### reusable-blocks
+
+Extract repeated workflows into parameterized blocks. Blocks are the functions of OpenProse.
+
+```prose
+block review-and-revise(artifact, criteria):
+  let feedback = session "Review {artifact} against {criteria}"
+  session "Revise {artifact} based on feedback"
+    context: feedback
+
+# Reuse the pattern
+do review-and-revise("the architecture doc", "clarity and completeness")
+do review-and-revise("the API design", "consistency and usability")
+do review-and-revise("the test plan", "coverage and edge cases")
+```
+
+---
+
+## Robustness Patterns
+
+#### bounded-iteration
+
+Always constrain loops with `max:` to prevent runaway execution. Even well-crafted conditions can fail to terminate.
+
+```prose
+# Good: Explicit upper bound
+loop until **all tests pass** (max: 20):
+  session "Identify and fix the next failing test"
+
+# The program will terminate even if tests never fully pass
+```
+
+#### graceful-degradation
+
+Use `on-fail: "continue"` when partial results are acceptable. Collect what you can rather than failing entirely.
+
+```prose
+parallel (on-fail: "continue"):
+  primary = session "Query primary data source"
+  backup = session "Query backup data source"
+  cache = session "Check local cache"
+
+# Continue with whatever succeeded
+session "Merge available data"
+  context: { primary, backup, cache }
+```
+
+#### retry-with-backoff
+
+External services fail transiently. Retry with exponential backoff to handle rate limits and temporary outages.
+
+```prose
+session "Call external API"
+  retry: 5
+  backoff: "exponential"
+```
+
+For critical paths, combine retry with fallback:
+
+```prose
+try:
+  session "Call primary API"
+    retry: 3
+    backoff: "exponential"
+catch:
+  session "Use fallback data source"
+```
+
+#### error-context-capture
+
+Capture error context for intelligent recovery. The error variable provides information for diagnostic or remediation sessions.
+
+```prose
+try:
+  session "Deploy to production"
+catch as err:
+  session "Analyze deployment failure and suggest fixes"
+    context: err
+  session "Attempt automatic remediation"
+    context: err
+```
+
+#### defensive-context
+
+Validate assumptions before expensive operations. Cheap checks prevent wasted computation.
+
+```prose
+let prereqs = session "Check all prerequisites: API keys, permissions, dependencies"
+
+if **prerequisites are not met**:
+  session "Report missing prerequisites and exit"
+    context: prereqs
+  throw "Prerequisites not satisfied"
+
+# Expensive operations only run if prereqs pass
+session "Execute main workflow"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Cost Efficiency Patterns
+
+#### model-tiering
+
+Match model capability to task complexity. Use haiku for simple tasks, sonnet for moderate complexity, opus for deep reasoning.
+
+```prose
+agent classifier:
+  model: haiku  # Fast, cheap classification
+  prompt: "You categorize items into predefined buckets"
+
+agent analyst:
+  model: sonnet  # Balanced analysis
+  prompt: "You analyze data and identify patterns"
+
+agent strategist:
+  model: opus  # Complex reasoning
+  prompt: "You synthesize information into strategic recommendations"
+
+# Workflow uses appropriate model per stage
+let category = session: classifier
+  prompt: "Classify this support ticket: {ticket}"
+
+if **category is complex technical issue**:
+  session: strategist
+    prompt: "Develop resolution strategy"
+else:
+  session: analyst
+    prompt: "Suggest standard resolution"
+```
+
+#### context-minimization
+
+Pass only relevant context. Large contexts slow processing and increase costs.
+
+```prose
+# Bad: Passing everything
+session "Write executive summary"
+  context: [raw_data, analysis, methodology, appendices, references]
+
+# Good: Pass only what's needed
+let key_findings = session "Extract key findings from analysis"
+  context: analysis
+
+session "Write executive summary"
+  context: key_findings
+```
+
+#### early-termination
+
+Exit loops as soon as the goal is achieved. Don't iterate unnecessarily.
+
+```prose
+# The condition is checked each iteration
+loop until **solution found and verified** (max: 10):
+  session "Generate potential solution"
+  session "Verify solution correctness"
+# Exits immediately when condition is met, not after max iterations
+```
+
+#### race-for-speed
+
+When any valid result suffices, race multiple approaches and take the first success.
+
+```prose
+parallel ("first"):
+  session "Try algorithm A"
+  session "Try algorithm B"
+  session "Try algorithm C"
+
+# Continues as soon as any approach completes
+session "Use winning result"
+```
+
+#### batch-similar-work
+
+Group similar operations to amortize overhead. One session with structured output beats many small sessions.
+
+```prose
+# Inefficient: Many small sessions
+for file in files:
+  session "Analyze {file}"
+
+# Efficient: Batch analysis
+session "Analyze all files and return structured findings for each"
+  context: files
+```
+
+---
+
+## Self-Improvement Patterns
+
+#### iterative-refinement
+
+Use feedback loops to progressively improve outputs. Each iteration builds on the previous.
+
+```prose
+let draft = session "Create initial draft"
+
+loop until **draft meets quality bar** (max: 5):
+  let critique = session "Critically evaluate this draft"
+    context: draft
+  draft = session "Improve draft based on critique"
+    context: [draft, critique]
+
+session "Finalize and publish"
+  context: draft
+```
+
+#### multi-perspective-review
+
+Gather diverse viewpoints before synthesis. Different lenses catch different issues.
+
+```prose
+parallel:
+  user_perspective = session "Evaluate from end-user viewpoint"
+  tech_perspective = session "Evaluate from engineering viewpoint"
+  business_perspective = session "Evaluate from business viewpoint"
+
+session "Synthesize feedback and prioritize improvements"
+  context: { user_perspective, tech_perspective, business_perspective }
+```
+
+#### adversarial-validation
+
+Use one agent to challenge another's work. Adversarial pressure improves robustness.
+
+```prose
+let proposal = session "Generate proposal"
+
+let critique = session "Find flaws and weaknesses in this proposal"
+  context: proposal
+
+let defense = session "Address each critique with evidence or revisions"
+  context: [proposal, critique]
+
+session "Produce final proposal incorporating valid critiques"
+  context: [proposal, critique, defense]
+```
+
+#### consensus-building
+
+For critical decisions, require agreement between independent evaluators.
+
+```prose
+parallel:
+  eval1 = session "Independently evaluate the solution"
+  eval2 = session "Independently evaluate the solution"
+  eval3 = session "Independently evaluate the solution"
+
+loop until **evaluators agree** (max: 3):
+  session "Identify points of disagreement"
+    context: { eval1, eval2, eval3 }
+  parallel:
+    eval1 = session "Reconsider position given other perspectives"
+      context: { eval1, eval2, eval3 }
+    eval2 = session "Reconsider position given other perspectives"
+      context: { eval1, eval2, eval3 }
+    eval3 = session "Reconsider position given other perspectives"
+      context: { eval1, eval2, eval3 }
+
+session "Document consensus decision"
+  context: { eval1, eval2, eval3 }
+```
+
+---
+
+## Maintainability Patterns
+
+#### descriptive-agent-names
+
+Name agents for their role, not their implementation. Names should convey purpose.
+
+```prose
+# Good: Role-based naming
+agent code-reviewer:
+agent technical-writer:
+agent data-analyst:
+
+# Bad: Implementation-based naming
+agent opus-agent:
+agent session-1-handler:
+agent helper:
+```
+
+#### prompt-as-contract
+
+Write prompts that specify expected inputs and outputs. Clear contracts prevent misunderstandings.
+
+```prose
+agent json-extractor:
+  model: haiku
+  prompt: """
+    Extract structured data from text.
+
+    Input: Unstructured text containing entity information
+    Output: JSON object with fields: name, date, amount, status
+
+    If a field cannot be determined, use null.
+    Never invent information not present in the input.
+  """
+```
+
+#### separation-of-concerns
+
+Each session should do one thing well. Combine simple sessions rather than creating complex ones.
+
+```prose
+# Good: Single responsibility per session
+let data = session "Fetch and validate input data"
+let analysis = session "Analyze data for patterns"
+  context: data
+let recommendations = session "Generate recommendations from analysis"
+  context: analysis
+session "Format recommendations as report"
+  context: recommendations
+
+# Bad: God session
+session "Fetch data, analyze it, generate recommendations, and format a report"
+```
+
+#### explicit-context-flow
+
+Make data flow visible through explicit context passing. Avoid relying on implicit conversation history.
+
+```prose
+# Good: Explicit flow
+let step1 = session "First step"
+let step2 = session "Second step"
+  context: step1
+let step3 = session "Third step"
+  context: [step1, step2]
+
+# Bad: Implicit flow (relies on conversation state)
+session "First step"
+session "Second step using previous results"
+session "Third step using all previous"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Performance Patterns
+
+#### lazy-evaluation
+
+Defer expensive operations until their results are needed. Don't compute what might not be used.
+
+```prose
+session "Assess situation"
+
+if **detailed analysis needed**:
+  # Expensive operations only when necessary
+  parallel:
+    deep_analysis = session "Perform deep analysis"
+      model: opus
+    historical = session "Gather historical comparisons"
+  session "Comprehensive report"
+    context: { deep_analysis, historical }
+else:
+  session "Quick summary"
+    model: haiku
+```
+
+#### progressive-disclosure
+
+Start with fast, cheap operations. Escalate to expensive ones only when needed.
+
+```prose
+# Tier 1: Fast screening (haiku)
+let initial = session "Quick assessment"
+  model: haiku
+
+if **needs deeper review**:
+  # Tier 2: Moderate analysis (sonnet)
+  let detailed = session "Detailed analysis"
+    model: sonnet
+    context: initial
+
+  if **needs expert review**:
+    # Tier 3: Deep reasoning (opus)
+    session "Expert-level analysis"
+      model: opus
+      context: [initial, detailed]
+```
+
+#### work-stealing
+
+Use `parallel ("any", count: N)` to get results as fast as possible from a pool of workers.
+
+```prose
+# Get 3 good ideas as fast as possible from 5 parallel attempts
+parallel ("any", count: 3, on-fail: "ignore"):
+  session "Generate creative solution approach 1"
+  session "Generate creative solution approach 2"
+  session "Generate creative solution approach 3"
+  session "Generate creative solution approach 4"
+  session "Generate creative solution approach 5"
+
+session "Select best from the first 3 completed"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Composition Patterns
+
+#### workflow-template
+
+Create blocks that encode entire workflow patterns. Instantiate with different parameters.
+
+```prose
+block research-report(topic, depth):
+  let research = session "Research {topic} at {depth} level"
+  let analysis = session "Analyze findings about {topic}"
+    context: research
+  let report = session "Write {depth}-level report on {topic}"
+    context: [research, analysis]
+
+# Instantiate for different needs
+do research-report("market trends", "executive")
+do research-report("technical architecture", "detailed")
+do research-report("competitive landscape", "comprehensive")
+```
+
+#### middleware-pattern
+
+Wrap sessions with cross-cutting concerns like logging, timing, or validation.
+
+```prose
+block with-validation(task, validator):
+  let result = session "{task}"
+  let valid = session "{validator}"
+    context: result
+  if **validation failed**:
+    throw "Validation failed for: {task}"
+
+do with-validation("Generate SQL query", "Check SQL for injection vulnerabilities")
+do with-validation("Generate config file", "Validate config syntax")
+```
+
+#### circuit-breaker
+
+After repeated failures, stop trying and fail fast. Prevents cascading failures.
+
+```prose
+let failures = 0
+let max_failures = 3
+
+loop while **service needed and failures < max_failures** (max: 10):
+  try:
+    session "Call external service"
+    # Reset on success
+    failures = 0
+  catch:
+    failures = failures + 1
+    if **failures >= max_failures**:
+      session "Circuit open - using fallback"
+      throw "Service unavailable"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Observability Patterns
+
+#### checkpoint-narration
+
+For long workflows, emit progress markers. Helps with debugging and monitoring.
+
+```prose
+session "Phase 1: Data Collection"
+# ... collection work ...
+
+session "Phase 2: Analysis"
+# ... analysis work ...
+
+session "Phase 3: Report Generation"
+# ... report work ...
+
+session "Phase 4: Quality Assurance"
+# ... QA work ...
+```
+
+#### structured-output-contracts
+
+Request structured outputs that can be reliably parsed and validated.
+
+```prose
+agent structured-reviewer:
+  model: sonnet
+  prompt: """
+    Always respond with this exact JSON structure:
+    {
+      "verdict": "pass" | "fail" | "needs_review",
+      "issues": [{"severity": "high"|"medium"|"low", "description": "..."}],
+      "suggestions": ["..."]
+    }
+  """
+
+let review = session: structured-reviewer
+  prompt: "Review this code for security issues"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Summary
+
+The most effective OpenProse programs combine these patterns:
+
+1. **Structure**: Parallelize independent work, use blocks for reuse
+2. **Robustness**: Bound loops, handle errors, retry transient failures
+3. **Efficiency**: Tier models, minimize context, terminate early
+4. **Quality**: Iterate, get multiple perspectives, validate adversarially
+5. **Maintainability**: Name clearly, separate concerns, make flow explicit
+
+Choose patterns based on your specific constraints. A quick prototype prioritizes speed over robustness. A production workflow prioritizes reliability over cost. A research exploration prioritizes thoroughness over efficiency.