Architect Reviewer vs Functional Reviewer
Compare these two Claude Code sub-agents to find the best fit for your project. Both are in the Quality & Security category.
Comparison Overview
Architect Reviewer
Expert architecture reviewer specializing in system design validation, architectural patterns, and technical decision assessment. Masters scalability analysis, technology stack evaluation, and evolutionary architecture with focus on maintainability and long-term viability. Use when reviewing architectural decisions or system design.
View Full PromptFunctional Reviewer
Senior QA analyst that compares code diffs against acceptance criteria to find functional gaps, regression risks, and missing edge cases. Use when you have a diff and AC to compare. Part of the qa-orchestra QA lifecycle toolkit.
View Full PromptTool Comparison
Shared Tools (4)
Only in Architect Reviewer (2)
Only in Functional Reviewer (0)
No unique tools
When to Use Each
Use Architect Reviewer when:
- • You need expertise in Read, Write, Edit
- • Your project aligns with Quality & Security
- • You prefer more comprehensive tool coverage
Use Functional Reviewer when:
- • You need expertise in Read, Glob, Grep
- • Your project aligns with Quality & Security
- • You prefer focused tool coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Architect Reviewer and Functional Reviewer?
Architect Reviewer and Functional Reviewer are both Claude Code sub-agents, but they're optimized for different use cases. Architect Reviewer focuses on Expert architecture reviewer specializing in system design validation, architectural patterns, and technical decision assessment. Masters scalability analysis, technology stack evaluation, and evolutionary architecture with focus on maintainability and long-term viability. Use when reviewing architectural decisions or system design., while Functional Reviewer is better suited for Senior QA analyst that compares code diffs against acceptance criteria to find functional gaps, regression risks, and missing edge cases. Use when you have a diff and AC to compare. Part of the qa-orchestra QA lifecycle toolkit..
Which sub-agent should I use: Architect Reviewer or Functional Reviewer?
The best choice depends on your specific needs. Use Architect Reviewer when you need Expert architecture reviewer specializing in system design validation, architectural patterns, and technical decision assessment. Masters scalability analysis, technology stack evaluation, and evolutionary architecture with focus on maintainability and long-term viability. Use when reviewing architectural decisions or system design.. Choose Functional Reviewer when your work requires Senior QA analyst that compares code diffs against acceptance criteria to find functional gaps, regression risks, and missing edge cases. Use when you have a diff and AC to compare. Part of the qa-orchestra QA lifecycle toolkit..
Can I use both Architect Reviewer and Functional Reviewer together?
Yes! You can combine multiple sub-agents by including their prompts in your CLAUDE.md file. Many developers use different agents for different parts of their workflow or project.