Architecture Patterns

This section is the synthesis. The earlier sections taught the building blocks; here they combine into reusable patterns — named, proven shapes for solving recurring problems — and case studies that show patterns assembled into whole systems.

How to use patterns

A pattern is a starting point, not a mandate. Recognize which one fits, adapt it to your constraints, and — the recurring theme of this guide — reach for the simplest pattern that solves the problem. Complexity should be earned by a real requirement.

In this section

RAG Patterns Reusable retrieval architectures — from simple Q&A to routing, multi-source, and agentic RAG.

Agent Patterns Workflow and agent patterns — chains, routing, orchestrator-workers, evaluator loops, and when to use each.

Production Case Studies Four end-to-end systems showing how patterns, trade-offs, and operations come together.

What you’ll be able to do

Recognize the pattern behind an AI feature, choose and adapt the right one for a new problem, and assemble patterns into a coherent, operable production system.

Prerequisites

This section draws on the whole guide — especially RAG, AI Agents, and AI System Design.