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Ask HN: Best codebases to study to learn software design?

107 points pixelworm | 2 comments | 24 Aug 25 05:08 UTC | HN request time: 0.495s | source

I’m working on improving my software design skills, and it was recommended that I study existing well designed codebases. What are some publicly accessible codebases you would consider gold standards for software design?
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pydry ◴[24 Aug 25 07:19 UTC] No.45002085[source]▶
I dont think this is a good idea, actually. Good design is about making good trade offs at the right point in time.

A code base with excellent design will show you the end state but not how it got there but probably not the trade offs and decisions involved.

Practicing refactoring on subpar code bases and dealing with the consequences of your decisions is a better way to improve.

replies(1): >>45002248 #
1. pixelworm ◴[24 Aug 25 07:52 UTC] No.45002248[source]▶
Are there any books or websites you'd recommend I read to learn more about design instead? I 100% need to learn by doing, but wouldn't it also be good to learn what has already been discovered so I don't have to reinvent the wheel? Or is it best to discover good design on your own?
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2. pydry ◴[24 Aug 25 08:47 UTC] No.45002554[source]▶
I learned on my own. If I were to recommend anything to read it would be to find a good book on refactoring or dealing with legacy code.

I read design patterns books when i was younger but in retrospect that was a hindrance more than a help.