decide-builder
When to use the fluent Builder pattern vs constructors or factories.
SKILL.mdplugins/laravel-ddd/skills/decide-builder/SKILL.md
GitHubSkill: Builder
"Many options. One fluent API."
The Decision
Use Builder when:
- Object requires many optional parameters
- Construction order matters
- You want a fluent, readable API
- Configuration is context-dependent
Use Constructor/Factory when:
- Object is simple (few required params)
- All params are mandatory
- No variation in construction
The Heuristic
Ask: "Do I need to configure this object in multiple ways?"
- Yes, many options → Builder
- No, fixed construction → Constructor/Factory
The Quick Test
| Scenario | Use |
|---|---|
| 5+ optional parameters | Builder |
| Context-dependent defaults | Builder |
| Method chaining improves readability | Builder |
| Simple, mandatory params | Constructor |
| Single creation path | Factory |
Real-World Examples
For concrete examples from Laravel, Spatie, and production code, see examples.md.