kickstart.nvim/cline_docs/systemPatterns.md

System Patterns

Architecture Patterns

1. Plugin System

• Uses lazy.nvim for plugin management.
• Plugins are defined in init.lua.
• Supports lazy loading via events/commands.
• Custom plugins can be added in lua/custom/plugins/.

2. Configuration Structure

.
├── init.lua                 # Main configuration file
├── lua/
│   ├── kickstart/          # Core functionality
│   │   └── plugins/        # Built-in plugin configs
│   └── custom/            # User customizations
│       └── plugins/       # Custom plugin configs
└── doc/                   # Documentation

3. Key Design Patterns

Modular Configuration

• Core settings in init.lua.
• Plugin-specific configurations in separate files.
• Custom configurations isolated in lua/custom/.

Event-Driven Architecture

• Uses Neovim's event system for plugin loading.
• Autocommands for specific behaviors.
• LSP events for IDE features.

Layer-Based Organization

1. Core Settings Layer

   • Basic Vim options.
   • Key mappings.
   • Global variables.

2. Plugin Layer

   • Plugin management.
   • Plugin configurations.
   • Plugin-specific settings.

3. LSP Layer

   • Language server configurations.
   • Completion setup.
   • Diagnostic settings.

4. UI Layer

   • Colorscheme.
   • Statusline.
   • Visual enhancements.

Technical Decisions

1. Configuration Language

• Lua chosen over VimScript for:
  • Better performance.
  • Modern syntax.
  • Rich data structures.
  • Better integration with Neovim.

2. Plugin Selection

• Minimal but powerful set of defaults.
• Focus on maintained, actively developed plugins.
• Preference for Lua-based plugins.
• Built-in LSP over CoC or similar alternatives.

3. Code Organization

• Single init.lua for easy understanding.
• Modular structure available through kickstart-modular.nvim.
• Clear separation between core and user customizations.

4. Performance Considerations

• Lazy loading of plugins.
• Efficient event handling.
• Minimal startup impact.
• Careful LSP configuration.

Key Technical Standards

1. Code Style

   • Consistent Lua formatting.
   • Clear commenting.
   • Documented configuration options.

2. Plugin Management

   • Versioned dependencies.
   • Conditional loading.
   • Clear plugin specifications.

3. Error Handling

   • Protected calls for plugin loading.
   • Fallbacks for missing dependencies.
   • Clear error messages.

4. Documentation

   • Inline documentation.
   • Help files.
   • Clear user instructions.