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Repository Health Analysis and Contributor Onboarding Docs

Repository Health Analysis and Contributor Onboarding Docs

  • Layer: SUBSTRATE → docs → contributor-onboarding
  • Author: Claude Code
  • Date: 2026-03-08
  • Status: Active

Summary

This EPICON covers the addition of canonical contributor onboarding documentation including a START_HERE architecture index, normalized CONTRIBUTING guide, and reusable CREATE_PR checklist with EPICON compliance. These changes improve repo discoverability and reduce onboarding friction for new contributors.

1. Context

  • The repository had over 1100 docs but lacked a clear, canonical entry point for new contributors.
  • CONTRIBUTING.md and PR templates existed but referenced inconsistent tooling and outdated conventions.
  • The C-199 root cleanup consolidated docs into docs/ but left root-level onboarding gaps.

2. Assumptions

  • A1: Contributors need a single, authoritative starting point to understand the repo.
  • A2: PR templates should reference existing CI commands (not hypothetical scripts).
  • A3: Documentation-only changes carry low risk and do not affect MII negatively.

3. Problem Statement

New contributors had no clear path from clone to first PR. Quality gate references pointed to non-existent scripts, and branch naming conventions were inconsistent with actual CI enforcement.

4. Options Considered

Option A: Add standalone onboarding docs

  • Description: Create START_HERE.md, update CONTRIBUTING.md, add CREATE_PR.md
  • Upside: Clear onboarding path, correct CI references, EPICON-compliant PR template
  • Downside: Adds files to maintain
  • Risk / Failure Modes: Docs could drift from CI if commands change

Option B: Update existing README only

  • Description: Consolidate all onboarding info into README.md
  • Upside: Single file to maintain
  • Downside: README becomes too long; loses separation of concerns
  • Risk / Failure Modes: Information overload for casual visitors

5. Decision / Design

  • Chosen Option: Option A
  • Rationale: Separation of concerns aligns with the existing docs/ structure and EPICON governance model
  • Conditions for Revisit: If doc maintenance burden increases or contributors report confusion

6. Risk & Integrity Notes

  • Low risk: documentation-only changes
  • No MII/GI impact expected
  • Anti-nuke compliant: no file deletions
  • Files: docs/START_HERE.md, CONTRIBUTING.md, CREATE_PR.md, README.md
  • Config Paths: catalog/mobius_catalog.json (regenerated)

8. Reflection Hook

  • "Did new contributors find the onboarding path clearer?"
  • "Did the CREATE_PR template reduce sentinel review failures?"
  • "Did quality gate references remain accurate across cycles?"

Document Control

Version History: - v1: Initial specification (C-200)

License: CC0 1.0 Universal (Public Domain)