While not new, since the concept was already described by Christopher Alexander in its architectural theories, it only gathered some traction in programming due to the publication of Design Patterns: Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software book in October 1994 by Erich Gamma, Richard Helm, Ralph Johnson and John Vlissides, known as the Gang of Four (GoF), that identifies and describes 23 classic software design patterns.
Use a calculator to calculate the stair riser length or the number of steps you'll need. Divide the height from the first floor to the top of the second floor by a predetermined height of your choice for the riser. The typical height of a riser is 6 or 7 inches (15 to 17.5 cm).
If provided at the bottom of a stair flight, a horizontal extension of a handrail shall be 12 inches (305 mm) long minimum and a height equal to that of the sloping portion of the handrail as measured above the stair nosings.