CONTRIBUTING.md

# Contributing

Thank you for contributing to the Nova R&D blueprint. Please read AGENTS.md first.

## Quick Start
- Fork/clone the repo and create a branch from `develop`:
  - `git checkout develop && git pull`
  - `git checkout -b feature/<short-purpose>`
- Keep commits small and frequent; use Conventional Commits.
- Open a PR to `develop` with a clear summary and links to ADRs.

## Branching Model
- `main`: stable, tagged releases only.
- `develop`: integration branch; all PRs land here first.
- `feature/*`: focused changes; rebase on `develop` as needed.
- `release/*`: prep releases; docs, versioning, final checks.
- `hotfix/*`: urgent fixes off `main`.

## Commits & PRs
- Format: `type(scope): subject` (types: feat, fix, docs, chore, refactor, test).
- Body: what/why, notable tradeoffs, references to ADRs/issues, affected paths.
- PR checklist:
  - Receipts updated (`13_receipts/`), indices linked, templates followed
  - Evals/Metrics touched documented (`08_evals/`, `06_metrics/`)
  - Screenshots/snippets for major doc changes

## Documentation & Tracking
- Use `04_decisions/ADR-TEMPLATE.md` for decisions; one per decision.
- Use `05_experiments/EXPERIMENT_TEMPLATE.md`; ensure reproducibility.
- Append logs to `03_research_logs/` (timestamped). Do not rewrite.
- Validate JSON receipts against `13_receipts/SCHEMA.json` when applicable.

## Style
- Markdown: `#`/`##` headings, `-` lists, ~100‑col wrap, 2‑space indent.
- Use code fences for commands/paths.

## Reviews
- Two approvals preferred; at least one reviewer with context.
- Keep PRs under ~300 lines of diff when possible; split otherwise.