# Contributing

Start with the supported DSH version in README.md. Work in a separate source directory and use the explicit setup/check commands before running npm test. Do not modify a live DSH service, its shipped presets or another user's profile to make a test pass.

## Development principles

- Preserve the new-children-only contract, durable bindings, independent main picker and read-only child view.
- Treat native APIs and layout changes as compatibility events. Do not expand the supported version range without evidence.
- Use synthetic session/provider identifiers and operating-system temporary directories in tests. Never commit real session records, credentials, personal absolute paths, profile backups or screenshots of private conversations.
- Keep native peers linked to the actual DSH installation rather than installing a second Cordis service registry.
- Keep setup explicit and reversible. Do not add automatic publish, login, download or profile-mutation lifecycle scripts.
- Preserve LICENSE and NOTICE, including upstream attribution for adapted UI design.

## Review checklist

1. Run the automated checks and tests against the supported runtime.
2. Inspect the exact packaged file list and scan for private information, not just the files changed in your editor.
3. Test a fresh isolated installation from the packaged artifact, including a path containing spaces.
4. Check main-picker preservation, new-child selection, existing-child continuation, cold resume, independent sessions and narrow-screen usability.
5. Explain which platforms and provider behaviors were actually tested. Do not infer real model, image or external-runtime behavior from synthetic tests.
6. Document user-facing changes and any migration requirements. Never silently rename a storage domain or erase bindings.

For a bug report, provide versions, a minimal synthetic reproduction and a redacted error. Public issue reports and pull requests are public on a public repository, including draft pull requests; do not use them as a private review area.