# Elixir Conventions

> Elixir code conventions covering Elixir 1.14+/OTP 25+, pattern matching, mix format, Credo/Dialyzer, ExUnit, ExDoc, OTP process patterns, and dependency security. Load when writing or reviewing Elixir code.

- Skill: `goldziher/elixir-conventions` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add goldziher/elixir-conventions`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/goldziher/elixir-conventions/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Security
- Author: goldziher (https://skillmd.com/u/goldziher)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/goldziher/elixir-conventions

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- Elixir 1.14+ OTP 25+, pattern matching extensively, `mix format` non-negotiable.
- Configure `.formatter.exs` with `:inputs` and `:import_deps` for consistent formatting across team.
- Linting: a linter (e.g., Credo `--strict`), type checking: Dialyzer (via `dialyxir`).
- Security: `mix_audit` for dependency CVE scanning, a SAST tool (e.g., Sobelow) for static analysis. Run both in CI.
- Testing: ExUnit with `describe` blocks, `doctest` for examples, a coverage tool (e.g., excoveralls) at 80%+.
- Documentation: ExDoc for generation, `@moduledoc` on all modules, `@doc` + `@spec` on public functions.
- `{:ok, value}` / `{:error, reason}` tuples — never raise for expected errors.
- `with` for multi-step ops, guard clauses for function overloading.
- OTP: GenServer for state, Supervisor for fault tolerance, `|>` pipe for transforms.
- Dependencies: commit `mix.lock`, `hex` with `~>` constraints.
- Anti-patterns: mutable state outside processes, long-running NIFs, `String.to_atom` with user input.