# System Patterns

## High-Level Architecture

### Backend Architecture
- Django-based MVT (Model-View-Template) architecture
- Modular app structure for domain separation
- HTMX for dynamic server-side rendering
- AlpineJS for client-side interactivity

### Core Apps
1. Parks & Rides
   - parks/ - Park management
   - rides/ - Ride information
   - designers/ - Ride designer profiles
   - companies/ - Park operator profiles

2. User Content
   - reviews/ - User reviews
   - media/ - Media management
   - moderation/ - Content moderation

3. Supporting Systems
   - accounts/ - User management
   - analytics/ - Usage tracking
   - location/ - Geographic services
   - email_service/ - Communication
   - history_tracking/ - Change tracking

## Core Technical Patterns

### Data Flow
1. Request Handling
   - Django URL routing
   - View processing
   - HTMX partial updates
   - Template rendering

2. Content Management
   - Moderated submission flow
   - Media processing pipeline
   - Review validation system
   - History tracking

3. User Interactions
   - HTMX for dynamic updates
   - AlpineJS for UI state
   - Partial template loading
   - Progressive enhancement

### Database Patterns
- Django ORM for data access
- Related models for complex relationships
- Signals for cross-model updates
- History tracking for changes

## Key Technical Decisions

### Frontend Strategy
1. Server-Side Rendering
   - Django templates as base
   - HTMX for dynamic updates
   - Partial templates by model
   - AlpineJS for client state

2. Styling
   - Tailwind CSS
   - Component-based design
   - Responsive layouts

### Backend Organization
1. App Separation
   - Domain-driven design
   - Clear responsibility boundaries
   - Modular functionality
   - Reusable components

2. Code Structure
   - Models for data definition
   - Views for business logic
   - Templates for presentation
   - URLs for routing
   - Signals for cross-cutting concerns

### Integration Patterns
1. External Services
   - Email service integration
   - Media storage handling
   - Analytics tracking
   - Location services

2. Internal Communication
   - Django signals
   - Context processors
   - Middleware
   - Template tags

## Data Flow Patterns

### Content Creation
1. User Input
   - Form submission
   - Media upload
   - Review creation
   - Park/ride updates

2. Processing
   - Validation
   - Moderation queue
   - Media processing
   - History tracking

3. Publication
   - Approval workflow
   - Public visibility
   - Notification system
   - Cache updates

### Query Patterns
1. Efficient Loading
   - Select related
   - Prefetch related
   - Cached queries
   - Optimized indexes

2. Search Operations
   - Location-based queries
   - Full-text search
   - Filtered results
   - Sorted listings

## Error Handling
- Django middleware
- Custom error pages
- Logging system
- User notifications

## Security Patterns
- Django authentication
- Permission mixins
- CSRF protection
- XSS prevention
- Input validation