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

107 points pixelworm | 1 comments | 24 Aug 25 05:08 UTC | HN request time: 0.201s | 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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koliber ◴[24 Aug 25 07:31 UTC] No.45002126[source]▶
Trying to learn software design by looking at code is kind of like trying to learn about architecture looking at the bricks that make up a building.

To learn about design you need a wider perspective. You can theoretically learn it from code but it won’t be most effective. Look at great documentation and literature about design instead.

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pixelworm ◴[24 Aug 25 07:43 UTC] No.45002206[source]▶
Yeah, I guess without the context I wouldn't really understand why it was designed that way. Or know what situations a design like that would be good for.

Is there any documentation or literature that has helped you?

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1. koliber ◴[25 Aug 25 07:32 UTC] No.45011267[source]▶
Once upon a time there was an email MTA (email server) called qmail. It had an architecture that was surprising and Daniel Bernstein documented his philosophy. It left an impact on me by showing me how we can rely on the OS-supplied facilities to accomplish a lot. I don't think qmail is some shining star that will teach you everything you need to know about software design. It is an interesting case study to add to your repertoire.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qmail