# Reviewing Python Architecture

> Review ADRs to check they follow testing principles and parent PDR constraints. Use when reviewing ADRs or architecture decisions.

- Skill: `diegosouzapw/reviewing-python-architecture` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add diegosouzapw/reviewing-python-architecture`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/diegosouzapw/reviewing-python-architecture/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: diegosouzapw (https://skillmd.com/u/diegosouzapw)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/diegosouzapw/reviewing-python-architecture

---


<objective>
Review ADRs against `/testing` principles and applicable PDR constraints. Point out violations, reference the specific principle, and show correct architecture.
</objective>

<quick_start>

1. Read `/testing` for methodology (5 stages, 5 factors, 7 exceptions)
2. Identify violations of testing principles and parent PDR constraints
3. Output APPROVED or REJECTED with specific violations
4. Show correct approach with code examples

</quick_start>

<principles_to_enforce>
From `/testing`:

**Level definitions** (from Stage 2 Five Factors):

- **Level 1**: Pure computation, file I/O with temp dirs, standard dev tools (git, curl)
  - Test directly, no doubles needed
- **Level 2**: Real dependencies via harnesses (Docker, databases, project-specific binaries)
  - Use real systems, not fakes
- **Level 3**: Real credentials, external services, browsers
  - Full real-world workflows

**Critical rules** (from Five Factors):

- Standard dev tools (git, cat, grep, curl) are Level 1
- Project-specific tools (Docker, PostgreSQL, Hugo) are Level 2
- SaaS services (Trakt, GitHub API, Stripe, Auth0) jump from Level 1 → Level 3 (no Level 2)
- Network dependencies and external services are Level 3

**Mocking prohibition** (Cardinal Rule):

- **NO mocking. Ever.** - `/testing` cardinal rule
- NO `unittest.mock.patch` for external services
- NO `respx.mock` for internet APIs
- Use dependency injection with Protocol interfaces instead
- Test doubles (stubs, spies, fakes) only when exception case applies

**Reality principle**:

- "Reality is the oracle" - tests must verify behavior against real systems
- A fake proves your code works with your imagination, not the real system

**Test doubles require exception case** (Stage 5):

- Only 7 legitimate exceptions for test doubles
- Each use must document which exception applies
- No exception = no doubles, test at Level 2

</principles_to_enforce>

<output_format>

````markdown
# ARCHITECTURE REVIEW

**Decision:** [APPROVED | REJECTED]

---

## Violations

### {Violation name}

**Where:** Lines {X-Y}
**Principle violated:** /testing {section name}
**Why this fails:** {Direct explanation}

**Correct approach:**

```{language}
{Show what the architecture should be}
```
````

---

{Repeat for each violation}

---

## Required Changes

{Concise list of what must change}

---

## References

- /testing: {section name} (principle violated)
- /standardizing-python-testing: {section if applicable}

---

{If REJECTED: "Revise and resubmit"}
{If APPROVED: "Architecture meets standards"}

````
</output_format>

<review_guidelines>

**Don't:**

- Reference specific line numbers (they change)
- Provide grep commands
- Explain multiple times
- Count statistics

**Do:**

- Reference `/testing` section names (e.g., "Stage 5 Exception 1", "Cardinal Rule")
- Show correct architecture with code examples
- Be direct about violations
- Reference `/standardizing-python-testing` for Python-specific patterns

</review_guidelines>

<example_review>

```markdown
# ARCHITECTURE REVIEW

**Decision:** REJECTED

---

## Violations

### Level 2 Assigned to SaaS Service

**Where:** Lines 132-133
**Principle violated:** /testing Stage 2 Factor 2

Trakt.tv is a SaaS service that cannot run locally. Per /testing Five Factors:
- SaaS services have no Level 2 - jump from Level 1 to Level 3

**Correct approach:**

```markdown
| List operations | 1 | DI with TraktListProvider protocol |
| List operations | 3 | Real Trakt API with test account |
````

---

### Mocking External Services

**Where:** Lines 132, 133, 145
**Principle violated:** /testing Cardinal Rule

Testing Strategy says "Mock at the PyTrakt API boundary" - this violates the NO MOCKING principle.

**Correct approach:**

Use dependency injection per /standardizing-python-testing:

```python
class TraktListProvider(Protocol):
    def __call__(self, list_name: str, username: str) -> Any | None: ...


# Level 1: Inject fake implementation (Exception 1: Failure modes)
# Level 3: Use real PyTrakt
```

---

## Required Changes

1. Remove all Level 2 assignments for SaaS operations
2. Remove "Mock at boundary" language
3. Add DI protocol definitions per /standardizing-python-testing
4. Document which exception case justifies any test doubles

---

## References

- /testing: Cardinal Rule (no mocking)
- /testing: Stage 2 Factor 2 (dependency levels)
- /testing: Stage 5 (exception cases for test doubles)
- /standardizing-python-testing: Protocol patterns

---

Revise and resubmit.

```
</example_review>

<success_criteria>
Review is complete when:

- [ ] Checked for mocking violations (Cardinal Rule)
- [ ] Verified level assignments match `/testing` Five Factors
- [ ] Checked test double usage has documented exception case
- [ ] Output follows format with section references (not line numbers)
- [ ] Correct approach shown with code examples

</success_criteria>
```