# Pattern language
## MicroSim spec
- **Recommended sim type:** tree / [[Hierarchy|hierarchy]]
- **Microsimmability score:** 62/100
- **Layout:** drawing region (canvas) on top; control region (sliders/buttons) below.
### Parameters (tunable controls)
- `Branching factor`
- `Depth`
- `Connections`
### What animates
A web of named patterns links into a layered language as connections are added.
### Learning objective
Show how reusable patterns connect into a coherent language.
## Links (Wikipedia order)
<!-- injected from _registry/childlinks/Pattern_language.json (2026-07-30T02:09:12Z) -->
`A_Pattern_Language` · `Berkeley,_California` · `Chelsea_Green_Publishing` · `Christopher_Alexander` · `Civic_intelligence` · `Computer_program` · `Construction` · `Design` · `Design_Patterns` · `Design_pattern` · `Design_science_(methodology)` · `Dictionary` · `Directed_graph` · `Feng_shui` · `Flowchart` · `Grammar` · [[Hierarchy]] · `Interaction_design_pattern` · `Iterative_method` · `Language` · `MIT_Press` · `Method_engineering` · `Michael_Mehaffy` · `Modular_design` · `Modularity` · `Oxford_University_Press` · `Pattern_gardening` · `Pedagogical_pattern` · `Permaculture` · `Programming_language` · `Recipe` · `Rule_of_thumb` · `Semantics` · `Software_design_pattern` · [[Software_engineering]] · `Software_system` · `Syntax` · `Systems_architecture` · [[Systems_theory]] · `The_Hillside_Group` · `The_Timeless_Way_of_Building` · `Unified_Modeling_Language` · `User_interface` · `Vocabulary` · `Ward_Cunningham` · `Wiki`
> p5.js MicroSim stub · part of Systems Thinking · [Wikipedia source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_language)
> Relation: subfield of systems thinking.
## Concept summary
A pattern language is an organized and coherent set of patterns, each of which describes a problem and the core of a solution that can be used in many ways within a specific field of expertise. The term was coined by architect Christopher Alexander and popularized by his 1977 book A Pattern Language.
## Build checklist
- [ ] Claim it: set `status: in-progress` + `lease` + `leased_at`
- [ ] Write the child page explaining the concept (tie it back to systems thinking)
- [ ] Finalize parameter ranges and defaults
- [ ] Implement the p5.js sketch (drawing + control regions)
- [ ] Add caption + the learning objective on the page
- [ ] Set `status: done`
## p5.js sketch
```javascript
// MicroSim: Pattern language
let controls = {};
function setup() {
// createCanvas(...); create sliders for the parameters above.
}
function draw() {
// background(...); read controls; render tree / hierarchy; respond live.
}
```
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Back to Systems Thinking · Wikipedia: [Pattern language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_language)
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<!-- SEMIOTIC-PROFILE:START -->
## Semiotic profile
> *The semiotic universals this article invokes, machine-derived from the crossref — **unverified** (born so). Populated 2026-07-06 for the Systems room.*
**Universals (2):** 🟢 tree hierarchy (7) · 🟡 system (5)
**Enter by sign:** Systems Semiotic Gateway · Alphabetum · Icon Registry · ← Systems Portal
<!-- SEMIOTIC-PROFILE:END -->
## Wikipedia : Wikitube
**Strict pair:** [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_language) : [Wikitube](https://en.wikitube.io/wiki/Pattern_language)
## Previous hub tags
Tree parent: [[Systems_theory]].
Legacy hubs: none.
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*Sources: 1 legacy note. Minted wave 1, 2026-07-30 (v1.6 order).*