> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://framework.aic.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://framework.aic.io/company-operating-manual/engineering-and-technical-standards.md).

# Engineering and Technical Standards

### Overview

Engineering work must be secure, maintainable, testable, and aligned to the agreed architecture.

### Principles

* Build for the user need.
* Keep designs simple where possible.
* Prefer reusable patterns.
* Automate repeatable tasks.
* Make systems observable.
* Document important decisions.
* Build security in from the start.
* Test early and continuously.
* Review code before release.
* Manage technical debt deliberately.

### Engineering Evidence

Engineering teams should maintain:

* architecture decision records
* repository documentation
* code review evidence
* test evidence
* deployment records
* release notes
* security review evidence