# Radicle Workflow for Hephaestus Development

## Overview

Hephaestus uses **Radicle** as its primary project management system - a decentralized, peer-to-peer code collaboration platform. This provides several advantages over traditional centralized systems:

- **Decentralized**: No single point of failure or control
- **Peer-to-Peer**: Direct collaboration between developers
- **Censorship-Resistant**: Code and collaboration cannot be easily taken down
- **GitHub Integration**: Automatic mirroring for public access and distribution

## Repository Information

- **Repository ID**: `rad:zwcVaZPYRXt8uA3uaBuUiH8hXzMw`
- **GitHub Mirror**: https://github.com/empiria/hephaestus
- **MCP Integration**: radicle-mcp-server configured and operational

## Project Management via Radicle Issues

### 5-Phase Implementation Plan
The entire Hephaestus development is tracked through Radicle issues:

1. **Phase 1**: Foundation & Project Setup (Issue 4e12d77)
2. **Phase 2**: Core Analysis Engine (Issue 41ff735)
3. **Phase 3**: Modern Generation Tools (Issue 8ff2c16)
4. **Phase 4**: Legacy Support & Migration (Issue 8d039b9)
5. **Phase 5**: Advanced Features & Polish (Issue ba26021)

### Issue Management
- **Phase Tracking**: Each major development phase has its own issue
- **Task Breakdown**: Issues contain detailed task lists and success criteria
- **Progress Monitoring**: Real-time status updates via Radicle
- **Collaboration**: Decentralized discussion and decision making

## Development Workflow

### For Contributors

#### Getting Started
```bash
# Clone the Radicle repository
rad clone rad:zwcVaZPYRXt8uA3uaBuUiH8hXzMw
cd hephaestus

# Install dependencies
uv sync

# Start development
just run
```

#### Working with Issues
- Use MCP tools for Radicle issue management
- Track progress against phase-specific issues
- Update issue status as tasks are completed
- Collaborate via Radicle's decentralized discussion system

#### Code Collaboration
- Work with Radicle's peer-to-peer version control
- Changes sync across the decentralized network
- No central server required for collaboration
- Automatic GitHub mirroring for public visibility

### For Users

#### Access Options
```bash
# Option 1: GitHub mirror (recommended for most users)
git clone https://github.com/empiria/hephaestus

# Option 2: Radicle (for full participation)
rad clone rad:zwcVaZPYRXt8uA3uaBuUiH8hXzMw
```

#### Issue Viewing
- **GitHub**: Read-only mirror for public viewing
- **Radicle**: Full participation and discussion access
- **MCP Tools**: Direct issue management via radicle-mcp-server

## MCP Integration

### radicle-mcp-server Configuration
The project uses radicle-mcp-server for seamless Radicle operations:

```json
{
  "$schema": "https://opencode.ai/config.json",
  "mcp": {
    "radicle": {
      "type": "local",
      "command": ["radicle-mcp-server"],
      "enabled": true
    }
  }
}
```

### MCP Tool Benefits
- **Issue Management**: Create, update, and track Radicle issues
- **Repository Operations**: Inspect, status, and management
- **Seamless Integration**: No need to learn Radicle CLI in detail
- **Development Focus**: Concentrate on coding rather than tool management

## Advantages of Radicle-Based Development

### For Contributors
- **True Decentralization**: No central authority controlling the project
- **Direct Collaboration**: Peer-to-peer interaction without intermediaries
- **Resilience**: Project continues even if some nodes go offline
- **Freedom**: Open collaboration without platform restrictions

### For Users
- **Reliability**: Multiple sources for code access (Radicle + GitHub)
- **Transparency**: All development happens in the open
- **Participation**: Opportunity to join decentralized development
- **Stability**: Code preserved across distributed network

### For the Project
- **Censorship Resistance**: Cannot be easily taken down or restricted
- **Longevity**: Preserved across distributed network of peers
- **Community**: True community ownership and governance
- **Innovation**: Freedom to experiment without platform constraints

## Best Practices

### Development Practices
- **Use MCP Tools**: Leverage radicle-mcp-server for operations
- **Track Issues**: Work within the 5-phase issue structure
- **Document Changes**: Clear commit messages and issue updates
- **Test Thoroughly**: Ensure quality before merging

### Collaboration Practices
- **Respectful Discussion**: Constructive feedback in issue discussions
- **Phase Focus**: Work within current phase priorities
- **Progress Updates**: Regular status updates on assigned tasks
- **Community Building**: Help other contributors and welcome newcomers

### GitHub Mirror Usage
- **Public Access**: Use GitHub for broad user access
- **Distribution**: PyPI publishing from GitHub Actions
- **Documentation**: GitHub Pages for project documentation
- **Issue Reference**: Reference Radicle issues in GitHub commits

## Troubleshooting

### Common Radicle Issues
- **Network Connectivity**: Ensure peer-to-peer network access
- **Repository Sync**: Allow time for distributed synchronization
- **MCP Integration**: Verify radicle-mcp-server is running
- **GitHub Mirror**: Check automatic sync status

### MCP Tool Problems
- **Server Status**: Verify radicle-mcp-server is operational
- **Configuration**: Check MCP client configuration
- **Permissions**: Ensure proper Radicle access rights
- **Network**: Verify connectivity to Radicle network

## Future Enhancements

### Planned Improvements
- **Enhanced MCP Tools**: More sophisticated Radicle operations
- **Automated Workflows**: CI/CD integration with Radicle
- **Community Tools**: Better collaboration features
- **Documentation**: Comprehensive Radicle usage guides

### Integration Goals
- **Seamless Workflow**: Invisible Radicle integration
- **Developer Experience**: Focus on code, not tools
- **Community Growth**: Lower barrier to contribution
- **Project Success**: Efficient 5-phase plan completion

This Radicle-based workflow provides a modern, resilient approach to open source development while maintaining compatibility with traditional GitHub-based workflows for broader accessibility.