| # Constitution: Principles for Let's Chat Project | |
| This document outlines the core principles that guide the development of the Let's Chat application. These principles ensure high-quality code, robust testing, consistent user experience, and optimal performance. The governance section describes how these principles influence technical decisions and project management. | |
| ## 1. Code Quality Principles | |
| ### Type Safety and Maintainability | |
| - **TypeScript First**: All new code must be written in TypeScript to ensure type safety and reduce runtime errors. Existing JavaScript code should be gradually migrated. | |
| - **Clean Code Standards**: Follow clean code principles with descriptive variable names, small functions, and clear separation of concerns. | |
| - **ESLint Compliance**: All code must pass ESLint checks defined in `eslint.config.mjs`. No warnings should be ignored without justification. | |
| - **Modular Architecture**: Use modular design with clear boundaries between components, services, and utilities. | |
| ### Documentation and Comments | |
| - **Inline Documentation**: Complex logic must be documented with clear comments explaining the "why" and "how". | |
| - **API Documentation**: All public APIs and functions must have JSDoc comments. | |
| - **README Updates**: Update relevant documentation when adding new features or changing existing functionality. | |
| ## 2. Testing Standards | |
| ### Test Coverage Requirements | |
| - **Unit Tests**: Every component, hook, utility function, and service must have corresponding unit tests. | |
| - **Integration Tests**: API endpoints and critical user flows must have integration tests. | |
| - **End-to-End Tests**: Key user journeys should be covered by E2E tests using appropriate tools. | |
| - **Coverage Threshold**: Maintain minimum 80% code coverage across all test types. | |
| ### Testing Framework and Practices | |
| - **Vitest Usage**: Use Vitest as the primary testing framework, configured in `vitest.config.ts`. | |
| - **Test-Driven Development**: Prefer TDD for new features where applicable. | |
| - **Mocking Strategy**: Use appropriate mocking for external dependencies (Supabase, APIs) to ensure isolated testing. | |
| - **Performance Testing**: Include performance benchmarks in tests for critical paths. | |
| ## 3. UX Consistency Principles | |
| ### Design System | |
| - **Component Library**: Use shared UI components from `src/components/ui/` for consistency. | |
| - **Tailwind CSS Standards**: Follow Tailwind CSS conventions for styling, defined in `tailwind.config.js`. | |
| - **Responsive Design**: Ensure all interfaces work seamlessly across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. | |
| ### User Experience Guidelines | |
| - **Consistent Navigation**: Maintain uniform navigation patterns across all pages and components. | |
| - **Accessibility**: Follow WCAG guidelines for accessibility, including proper ARIA labels and keyboard navigation. | |
| - **Error Handling**: Provide clear, user-friendly error messages and recovery options. | |
| - **Loading States**: Implement consistent loading indicators and skeleton screens. | |
| ## 4. Performance Requirements | |
| ### Frontend Performance | |
| - **Bundle Optimization**: Keep bundle sizes under 500KB for initial load, using Next.js optimizations. | |
| - **Lazy Loading**: Implement code splitting and lazy loading for non-critical components. | |
| - **Image Optimization**: Use Next.js Image component for automatic optimization and WebP format support. | |
| ### Backend and Database Performance | |
| - **Query Optimization**: Ensure database queries are efficient with proper indexing. | |
| - **Caching Strategy**: Implement appropriate caching layers (browser, CDN, server-side) for frequently accessed data. | |
| - **API Response Times**: Target sub-200ms response times for API endpoints. | |
| ### Monitoring and Metrics | |
| - **Performance Monitoring**: Use tools to monitor Core Web Vitals and other performance metrics. | |
| - **Load Testing**: Conduct regular load testing to ensure scalability. | |
| ## Governance: Guiding Technical Decisions | |
| ### Decision-Making Framework | |
| - **Principle-Based Decisions**: All technical decisions must align with these principles. When principles conflict, prioritize based on project goals and user impact. | |
| - **Architecture Reviews**: Major architectural changes require review by the core team to ensure alignment with principles. | |
| - **Trade-off Analysis**: Document trade-offs when principles cannot be fully satisfied, with clear rationale. | |
| ### Development Process | |
| - **Code Reviews**: All pull requests must pass code review focusing on these principles. | |
| - **CI/CD Pipeline**: Automated checks for linting, testing, and performance must pass before deployment. | |
| - **Regular Audits**: Conduct quarterly code quality and performance audits. | |
| ### Team Responsibilities | |
| - **Developer Accountability**: Each developer is responsible for ensuring their code meets these standards. | |
| - **Mentorship**: Senior developers mentor juniors on these principles. | |
| - **Continuous Improvement**: Regularly review and update these principles based on project evolution and industry best practices. | |
| ### Enforcement and Exceptions | |
| - **Zero Tolerance for Core Violations**: Critical violations (e.g., security issues, major performance regressions) require immediate remediation. | |
| - **Exception Process**: Exceptions to principles require written approval from the technical lead, with documented rationale. | |
| - **Metrics Tracking**: Track adherence to principles through automated dashboards and regular reporting. | |
| This constitution serves as the foundation for maintaining high-quality, user-focused development in the Let's Chat project. All team members should familiarize themselves with these principles and apply them consistently in their work. |