layersfor

Layersfor is a term used in software architecture to describe a framework, convention, or set of practices for building layered software systems. The core idea is to organize software into distinct horizontal layers—such as presentation, domain, and data—and to enforce explicit interfaces and dependency rules between them. In this view, layers provide separation of concerns, improve testability, and simplify reasoning about system behavior, while recognizing that overly rigid layering can introduce indirection or performance overhead.

A concrete interpretation of layersfor would typically include a layer registry or manifest, contract definitions that specify allowed interactions between adjacent layers, and tooling to validate dependency graphs during build time or at runtime. Some approaches route or proxy cross-layer calls to preserve boundaries, while others rely on clear interface abstractions to decouple implementations from their consumers. Visualization or analysis tools may be included to help teams understand layer dependencies and evolution.

Common usage patterns include structuring enterprise applications with presentation, application or domain, and data layers; integrating heterogeneous subsystems; and serving as an educational model for teaching layered architecture. Variants may adapt the concept to different domains, such as user interface composition, data pipelines, or microservice boundaries.

Origin and status: there is no single canonical specification for layersfor, and the term is used descriptively rather than as a universal standard. See also software architecture, layered architecture, onion architecture, hexagonal architecture.