Structural Patterns · Feb 2026 · v2.2
Information Grouping
Information grouping in CLN is not visual decoration — it is semantic
architecture. Every indent declares ownership. Every parallel
block declares equivalence. The structure IS the meaning.
01/Definition
Core Concept
=
Information grouping = declaring logical
relationships through spatial arrangement.
=
Grouping mechanisms in CLN v2.2:
.
Vertical grouping —
indentation creates parent-child ownership
.
Horizontal grouping — parallel
blocks `( )` create sibling equivalence
.
Block labeling — `// ##id`
creates named sections
02/Visual Hierarchy
=
Each indentation level = one degree of
specificity.
Level 0
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
TOPIC: The main subject
=
Primary claim about the subject
*
Supporting evidence for the claim
.
Specific detail or nuance
*
The reader's eye scans the left column first.
Structure is understood before content is read.
03/Parallel Blocks
( )
v2.2 Feature
=
Parallel blocks group siblings that should be
compared side-by-side.
#
parallel comparison v2.2
SYNTAX:
(
content of first block
)
(
content of second block
)
.
Rendering: Consecutive `( )`
blocks at same level → flex-row layout
.
Semantics: Each block =
alternative, option, or parallel concept
( ) Block A
=
Option A
+
Fast delivery
-
Higher cost
( ) Block B
=
Option B
+
Lower cost
-
Slower delivery
04/The Ownership Model
Cognitive Pattern
=
Every indented line "belongs to" its parent
above.
*
Parent = the broader claim or action
*
Child = the evidence, detail, or
sub-action
✕ Flat Structure (No Ownership)
= System
has authentication
= Auth
uses JWT tokens
= Tokens
expire in 24h
=
Refresh tokens available
! No
relationships visible — all facts seem equal
✓ Nested Structure (Clear Ownership)
= System
has authentication
. Uses
JWT tokens
*
Tokens expire in 24h
*
Refresh tokens available
+ Hierarchy
reveals: Auth → JWT → Token details
!
The Litmus Test: If you can't
decide where a fact belongs, you don't understand its
relationship.
→
The indentation decision is the
thinking.
05/Common Grouping Patterns
.
Pattern 1: Definition →
Evidence
*
Used for: Concepts, claims, hypotheses
= Main claim
*
Evidence 1
*
Evidence 2
.
Detail about evidence 2
.
Pattern 2: Action →
Sub-action
*
Used for: Procedures, workflows, plans
. Main task
.
Sub-task 1
.
Sub-task 2
!
Warning about sub-task 2
.
Pattern 3: Alternatives (Parallel
Blocks)
*
Used for: Decisions, comparisons,
trade-offs
Option A
+
Pros here
-
Cons here
Option B
+
Pros here
-
Cons here
06/Grouping Guidelines
.
Rule 1: One parent, many
children
=
A child has exactly one parent. A parent may
have many children.
.
Rule 2: Sibling order
matters
=
For actions: sequence. For alternatives:
priority. For evidence: strength.
.
Rule 3: Depth limit = 4
levels
!
Beyond 4 levels, consider: (a) new document,
(b) block label, or (c) restructure.
.
Rule 4: Use parallel blocks for
comparison
=
If reader needs to compare options
side-by-side, use `( )` blocks.
*
Summary: Grouping is
ownership. Ownership is thinking. Structure is
meaning.