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Architecture Decisions

Server Components First (2024-12-01)​

Context​

Choosing between traditional client-side React and Next.js Server Components.

Decision​

Use Server Components as the default, with Client Components only when necessary.

Rationale​

  • Reduced JavaScript bundle size
  • Better initial page load performance
  • Simplified data fetching
  • Improved SEO capabilities
  • Direct database access without APIs

Consequences​

  • Need to carefully manage server/client boundaries
  • Some interactivity requires client components
  • Team needs to understand the new mental model

Hybrid Data Architecture (2024-12-15)​

Context​

Need to support both development without a database and production with Supabase.

Decision​

Implement a hybrid approach with in-memory mock data and Supabase integration.

Rationale​

  • Faster onboarding for new developers
  • No database setup required for demos
  • Seamless transition to production
  • Maintains same API surface

Consequences​

  • Additional abstraction layer
  • Need to maintain mock data
  • Must ensure feature parity
  • Testing both implementations

Server Actions for Mutations (2024-12-20)​

Context​

Choosing between REST APIs, GraphQL, or Server Actions for data mutations.

Decision​

Use Next.js Server Actions for all data mutations.

Rationale​

  • Type-safe end-to-end
  • No API route boilerplate
  • Built-in CSRF protection
  • Progressive enhancement
  • Simpler error handling

Consequences​

  • Tied to Next.js ecosystem
  • Need careful error boundaries
  • Client-side validation still needed
  • Learning curve for team

shadcn/ui Component Library (2024-12-10)​

Context​

Selecting a UI component library for consistent design.

Decision​

Use shadcn/ui with Radix UI primitives and Tailwind CSS.

Rationale​

  • Full control over components
  • No vendor lock-in
  • Accessibility built-in
  • Tailwind integration
  • TypeScript support

Consequences​

  • Components copied into codebase
  • Need to maintain updates manually
  • Larger codebase
  • Full customization responsibility

FHIR R4 for Medical Data (2024-11-25)​

Context​

Need standardized format for medical data interchange.

Decision​

Adopt FHIR R4 as the primary medical data standard.

Rationale​

  • Industry standard
  • EHR interoperability
  • Comprehensive specifications
  • Growing ecosystem
  • Regulatory alignment

Consequences​

  • Complex data structures
  • Learning curve for developers
  • Need transformation layers
  • Validation requirements

Mock Authentication System (2024-12-05)​

Context​

Need authentication for demo purposes without full implementation.

Decision​

Implement client-side mock authentication with predefined users.

Rationale​

  • Quick implementation
  • No backend required
  • Easy role testing
  • Simple to replace
  • Demo-friendly

Consequences​

  • Not production-ready
  • No real security
  • Must be replaced for production
  • Limited to predefined users

AI Integration Strategy (2024-12-18)​

Context​

Integrating AI capabilities throughout the application.

Decision​

Use OpenAI GPT-4 with fallback simulation for demos.

Rationale​

  • Best-in-class AI model
  • Structured output support
  • Medical knowledge
  • API stability
  • Fallback for demos

Consequences​

  • API costs
  • Rate limiting considerations
  • Need fallback mechanisms
  • Privacy considerations

Monorepo Structure (2024-11-20)​

Context​

Organizing code for a potentially large application.

Decision​

Single repository with feature-based organization.

Rationale​

  • Simpler to manage initially
  • Easier onboarding
  • Unified deployment
  • Consistent tooling
  • Faster iteration

Consequences​

  • May need splitting later
  • All code in one place
  • Shared dependencies
  • Single build process

PostgreSQL via Supabase (2024-12-01)​

Context​

Selecting database technology for production.

Decision​

Use PostgreSQL through Supabase platform.

Rationale​

  • Robust and reliable
  • ACID compliance
  • JSON support for flexibility
  • Row Level Security
  • Real-time capabilities

Consequences​

  • Vendor dependency
  • Learning Supabase specifics
  • PostgreSQL expertise needed
  • Migration planning required

TypeScript Everywhere (2024-11-15)​

Context​

Choosing between JavaScript and TypeScript.

Decision​

Use TypeScript throughout the entire codebase.

Rationale​

  • Type safety
  • Better IDE support
  • Self-documenting code
  • Fewer runtime errors
  • Industry standard

Consequences​

  • Build step required
  • Learning curve
  • Occasional type gymnastics
  • Longer initial development

Docusaurus for Documentation (2024-12-25)​

Context​

Need for comprehensive project documentation.

Decision​

Use Docusaurus with custom memory bank and task tracking.

Rationale​

  • Markdown-based
  • Version control friendly
  • Great search
  • Easy navigation
  • Customizable

Consequences​

  • Separate documentation site
  • Additional maintenance
  • Need to keep updated
  • Learning curve for contributors

These decisions form the architectural foundation of the LyfeAI Provider application and guide ongoing development efforts.