cosmos-sdk/docs/spec/SPEC-SPEC.md

# Specification of Specifications

This file intends to outline the common structure for specifications within
this directory.

## Tense

For consistency, specs should be written in passive present tense.

## Pseudo-Code

Generally, pseudo-code should be minimized throughout the spec. Often, simple
bulleted-lists which describe a function's operations are sufficient and should
be considered preferable. In certain instances, due to the complex nature of
the functionality being described pseudo-code may the most suitable form of
specification. In these cases use of pseudo-code is permissible, but should be
presented in a concise manner, ideally restricted to only the complex
element as a part of a larger description.

## Common Layout

The following generalized file structure should be used to breakdown
specifications for modules. With the exception of README.md, `XX` at the
beginning of the file name should be replaced with a number to indicate
document flow (ex. read `01_state.md` before `02_state_transitions.md`). The
following list is nonbinding and all files are optional.

- `README.md` - overview of the module
- `XX_concepts.md` - describe specialized concepts and definitions used throughout the spec
- `XX_state.md` - specify and describe structures expected to marshalled into the store, and their keys
- `XX_state_transitions.md` - standard state transition operations triggered by hooks, messages, etc.
- `XX_messages.md` - specify message structure(s) and expected state machine behaviour(s)
- `XX_begin_block.md` - specify any begin-block operations
- `XX_end_block.md` - specify any end-block operations
- `XX_hooks.md` - describe available hooks to be called by/from this module
- `XX_events.md` - list and describe event tags used
- `XX_params.md` - list all module parameters, their types (in JSON) and examples
- `XX_future_improvements.md` - describe future improvements of this module
- `XX_appendix.md` - supplementary details referenced elsewhere within the spec

### Notation for key-value mapping

Within `state.md` the following notation `->` should be used to describe key to
value mapping:

```
key -> value
```

to represent byte concatenation the `|` may be used. In addition, encoding
type may be specified, for example:

```
0x00 | addressBytes | address2Bytes -> amino(value_object)
```

Additionally, index mappings may be specified by mapping to the `nil` value, for example:

```
0x01 | address2Bytes | addressBytes -> nil
```