Semantic Anchor Translator

Translate between natural language and established terminology that activates rich knowledge domains.

What are Semantic Anchors?

Semantic anchors are well-defined terms, methodologies, and frameworks that serve as reference points when communicating. They act as shared vocabulary that triggers specific, contextually rich knowledge.

Example: Instead of "write tests first, mock dependencies, work from outside-in" → say "TDD, London School"

Two Modes

Recognition Mode (verbose → anchor)

When user describes something like:

• "I want to categorize things so they don't overlap and cover everything"
• "I need to structure docs into tutorials, how-tos, explanations, and reference"
• "Start with the conclusion, then give supporting details"

Respond with the anchor term + brief validation:

You're describing MECE Principle (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive).

Guidance Mode (question → anchors)

When user asks for direction:

• "How should I document architecture decisions?"
• "What's a good way to prioritize requirements?"
• "How do I debug this systematically?"

Suggest relevant anchors:

For architecture decisions: ADR according to Nygard or MADR. Both provide lightweight templates for capturing context, decision, and consequences.

Response Pattern

1. Identify the anchor (or 2-3 if ambiguous)
2. One-sentence explanation of why it matches
3. Optional: related anchors they might also find useful
4. If unsure: ask clarifying question

Keep responses concise — the value is precision, not explanation.

Catalog Reference

Full catalog with categories, roles, and core concepts: references/catalog.md

Browse online: https://llm-coding.github.io/Semantic-Anchors/

Quick Category Index

Category	Key Anchors
Testing & Quality	TDD Chicago/London, BDD, Gherkin, Test Double (Meszaros + 5 subtypes), Testing Pyramid, Mutation Testing, Property-Based Testing, Fagan Inspection, STRIDE, LINDDUN, LLM-Evaluations
Software Architecture	Clean Architecture, Hexagonal, DDD, EDA, CQRS, VSA, arc42, C4, ADR, MADR, ATAM, LASR, ISO 25010, OWASP Top 10
Design Principles	SOLID (+ 5 individual), GRASP, CRC-Cards, GoF Patterns (23 patterns), Fowler PEAA, DRY, KISS, SPOT, SSOT, YAGNI
Problem-Solving	Five Whys, Feynman Technique, Rubber Duck, Devil's Advocate, Morphological Box, Chain of Thought, Cynefin
Requirements	INVEST, PRD, MoSCoW, EARS, User Story Mapping, JTBD, Impact Mapping, Problem Space NVC
Communication	BLUF, Pyramid Principle, MECE, Gutes Deutsch, Plain English, Chatham House Rule, Socratic Method, MBTI
Documentation	P.A.R.A., Diátaxis, Docs-as-Code
Development Workflow	GTD, Definition of Done, GitHub Flow, Conventional Commits, Effective Go, SemVer, BEM, Mikado Method, Hemingway Bridge
Statistical Methods	SPC, Control Chart, Nelson Rules
Strategic Planning	Wardley Mapping, Pugh Matrix, SWOT, PERT
Creative Writing	Three-Act Structure, Hero's Journey, Save the Cat!, Fichtean Curve, Freytag's Pyramid, Story Circle, Kishōtenketsu