# Design Philosophy

Republic is not trying to take over application logic. It provides a predictable, replayable, and evolvable set of building blocks.

## 1. Slow is Fast

Define data boundaries and execution traces first, then optimize without rework.

## 2. Plain Python First

Use ordinary functions, branches, and tests to organize intelligent workflows.

## 3. Structured over Clever

Use one structured return shape and stable error kinds so callers can make explicit decisions.

## 4. Tape as Evidence

Each run has an evidence chain: input, output, tools, errors, usage, and events.

## 5. Small Surface, Strong Composition

Keep the core interfaces small, but composable into complex workflows.
