Glossary¶

Architecture drift¶

Structural divergence between the way a repository was meant to evolve and the way patterns actually spread across files and modules.

The gradual loss of shared implementation shape, boundary discipline, and structural clarity over time.

A tool that focuses on structural consistency and cross-file coherence rather than only local style or syntax.

One category of pattern implemented several different ways within a module.

Imports or dependencies that cross intended boundaries or create cycles.

Near-identical functions that diverged after copy-modify work.

Complex code that lacks the supporting context needed to review or change it safely, such as docs, types, or tests.

Abnormal change patterns in files, such as unusually high churn or author diversity.

Patterns or imports that look foreign to the module where they appear.

Documented structure that no longer matches the code. Drift currently reports DIA but excludes it from the composite score.

A machine-readable format that allows findings to appear in code scanning and related review workflows.