router-first-architecture

Router-First Architecture

Route through domain routers before using individual tools. Routers abstract tool selection.

Pattern

Domain routers (like math-router) provide deterministic mapping from user intent to exact CLI commands. Always use the router first; only bypass for edge cases.

DO Call math-router route "" before any math operation Let domain skills co-activate with their router (via coActivate in skill-rules.json) Trust the router's confidence score; only fall back if command: null Keep trigger keywords/patterns in skill-rules.json broader than routing patterns DON'T Call individual scripts directly when a router exists Duplicate routing logic in individual skills Let domain skills bypass their router Co-Activation Pattern

Domain skills should co-activate with their router:

{ "math/abstract-algebra/groups": { "coActivate": ["math-router"], "coActivateMode": "always" } }

This ensures the router is always available when domain knowledge is activated.

Two-Layer Architecture Skill-rules trigger layer: Nudges Claude to use the router (keywords, intent patterns) Router routing layer: Deterministic mapping to scripts via regex patterns

Keep the trigger layer broader than routing - the router should handle "not found" gracefully.

Source Sessions 2bbc8d6e: "Trigger layer was narrower than routing layer" - expanded triggers This session: Wired 8 domain math skills to co-activate with math-router