Architectural Patterns

Architectural patterns in KIMU provide proven solutions for recurring problems in developing modular and extensible applications.

Overview

The patterns implemented in KIMU follow established software engineering principles, adapted to the specific needs of a framework based on Web Components and modular architecture.

Fundamental Patterns

Singleton Pattern

Ensures a single instance of critical components like stores and managers.

Observer Pattern

Implements an event system for communication between components.

Module Pattern

Organizes code into independent and reusable modules.

Factory Pattern

Creates instances of extensions and components in a controlled manner.

Strategy Pattern

Allows changing algorithms and behaviors at runtime.

KIMU-Specific Patterns

Extension Pattern

The base pattern for creating modular and composable extensions.

Asset Loading Pattern

Efficient management and lazy loading of application assets.

State Management Pattern

Centralized state management with reactivity.

Component Composition Pattern

Composition of complex components from simpler elements.

Documentation Structure

Each pattern is documented with:

• Problem: What problem it solves
• Solution: How the pattern solves it
• Implementation: Example code in KIMU
• Advantages: Benefits of usage
• Disadvantages: Limitations and trade-offs
• Use Cases: When to use it
• Variants: Different implementations
• Examples: Real-world usage cases

Available Patterns

Singleton Pattern

Management of unique instances for framework managers and stores.

Observer Pattern

Event and notification system for communication between components.

Asset Loading Pattern

Efficient management of resource loading.

Design Principles

SOLID Principles

• Single Responsibility: Each component has a specific responsibility
• Open/Closed: Open for extension, closed for modification
• Liskov Substitution: Implementations are substitutable
• Interface Segregation: Specific and focused interfaces
• Dependency Inversion: Dependencies towards abstractions

DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself)

Code reuse through patterns and abstraction.

KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid)

Simple and understandable solutions.

YAGNI (You Aren't Gonna Need It)

Implementation only of necessary features.

Anti-Patterns to Avoid

God Object

Avoid components that do too much.

Tight Coupling

Maintain low coupling between components.

Magic Numbers/Strings

Use named constants instead of hardcoded values.

Deep Inheritance

Prefer composition over deep inheritance.

Emerging Patterns

As the framework evolves, new patterns emerge specific to advanced use cases:

• Micro-Frontend Pattern
• Progressive Enhancement Pattern
• Offline-First Pattern
• Performance Optimization Pattern

Practical Usage

Patterns are not rigid rules but flexible guidelines. The goal is:

1. Consistency: Uniform and predictable code
2. Maintainability: Easy to maintain and extend
3. Reusability: Reusable components
4. Testability: Easily testable code
5. Performance: Efficient solutions

Combination Examples

Often patterns combine for more complete solutions:

// Combination: Singleton + Observer + Factory
export class ExtensionManager {
  private static instance: ExtensionManager;
  private observers: Observer[] = [];
  private factory: ExtensionFactory;

  static getInstance(): ExtensionManager {
    if (!ExtensionManager.instance) {
      ExtensionManager.instance = new ExtensionManager();
    }
    return ExtensionManager.instance;
  }

  private constructor() {
    this.factory = new ExtensionFactory();
  }

  createExtension(type: string, config: any) {
    const extension = this.factory.create(type, config);
    this.notifyObservers('extension-created', extension);
    return extension;
  }
}

References

Each pattern has its detailed documentation with practical examples and complete implementations in the context of the KIMU framework.

• Core Framework
• Extensions
• Best Practices