# Web4 Standard Document Structure

This document outlines the proposed hierarchical structure for the Web4 Internet Standard. The structure is designed to be modular, extensible, and easy to navigate, drawing inspiration from best practices in modern RFCs and web standards.

## 1. Introduction

- **1.1. Purpose:** A clear and concise statement of the standard's goals and objectives.
- **1.2. Scope:** The boundaries of the standard, what it covers, and what it does not.
- **1.3. Terminology:** A glossary of terms, definitions, and notational conventions used throughout the document.
- **1.4. Architecture Overview:** A high-level overview of the Web4 architecture, its components, and their interactions.

## 2. Core Concepts

- **2.1. Web4 Entities:** Definition of the fundamental entities in the Web4 ecosystem (e.g., users, nodes, services).
- **2.2. Trust Relationships:** The model for establishing and managing trust between entities.
- **2.3. Digital Pairing:** The process of creating secure relationships between entities.
- **2.4. Witnessing and Notarization:** The mechanism for third-party verification and validation.

## 3. Protocol Specifications

- **3.1. Handshake and Pairing Protocol:** The protocol for establishing initial contact and pairing between entities.
- **3.2. Messaging Protocol:** The format and protocol for exchanging messages between entities.
- **3.3. Data and Credential Formats:** The structure and encoding of data and credentials used in the protocol.
- **3.4. URI Scheme:** The definition of the `web4://` URI scheme.

## 4. Security Framework

- **4.1. Cryptographic Primitives:** The required and recommended cryptographic algorithms.
- **4.2. Key Management:** Guidelines for key generation, storage, and rotation.
- **4.3. Authentication and Authorization:** Mechanisms for verifying entity identity and access control.
- **4.4. Security Considerations:** A comprehensive analysis of potential threats and mitigations.

## 5. Extensibility

- **5.1. Extension Mechanism:** The framework for extending the protocol with new features and capabilities.
- **5.2. Subprotocol Negotiation:** A mechanism for negotiating and using subprotocols.
- **5.3. IANA Considerations:** Guidelines for registering new extensions and parameters.

## 6. Implementation Guidance

- **6.1. Reference Implementation:** A guide to a reference implementation of the standard.
- **6.2. Conformance Testing:** A suite of tests for verifying compliance with the standard.
- **6.3. Interoperability:** Guidelines for ensuring interoperability between different implementations.

## Appendices

- **A. ASN.1/JSON Schema Definitions:** Formal definitions of data structures.
- **B. Examples:** Concrete examples of protocol interactions and data formats.
- **C. References:** Normative and informative references.








# Formal Grammar and Notation

This document defines the formal grammar and notational conventions used in the Web4 Internet Standard. A consistent and well-defined grammar is essential for ensuring interoperability and unambiguous interpretation of the protocol.

## 1. Notational Conventions

The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT", "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "NOT RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in this document are to be interpreted as described in RFC 2119 [1].

All data values in this specification are in network byte order (big-endian).

## 2. Augmented Backus-Naur Form (ABNF)

The formal grammar for the Web4 protocol is defined using Augmented Backus-Naur Form (ABNF) as specified in RFC 5234 [2]. The ABNF notation provides a standard and unambiguous way to define the syntax of the protocol.

### Core ABNF Rules

The following core ABNF rules are used throughout this specification:

- **ALPHA:** %x41-5A / %x61-7A (A-Z / a-z)
- **DIGIT:** %x30-39 (0-9)
- **HEXDIG:** DIGIT / "A" / "B" / "C" / "D" / "E" / "F"
- **CRLF:** %x0D.0A (carriage return followed by line feed)
- **SP:** %x20 (space)
- **VCHAR:** %x21-7E (visible ASCII characters)

## 3. JSON Data Formats

Web4 messages and credentials MAY be represented in JSON format. When JSON is used, it MUST be valid according to RFC 8259 [3].

## 4. URI Scheme

The Web4 URI scheme is defined as follows:

`web4-uri = "web4://" authority path-abempty [ "?" query ] [ "#" fragment ]`

- **authority:** The Web4 entity identifier.
- **path-abempty, query, fragment:** As defined in RFC 3986 [4].

## References

[1] Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate Requirement Levels", BCP 14, RFC 2119, DOI 10.17487/RFC2119, March 1997, <https://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc2119>.

[2] Crocker, D., Ed., and P. Overell, "Augmented BNF for Syntax Specifications: ABNF", STD 68, RFC 5234, DOI 10.17487/RFC5234, January 2008, <https://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc5234>.

[3] Bray, T., Ed., "The JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) Data Interchange Format", STD 90, RFC 8259, DOI 10.17487/RFC8259, December 2017, <https://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc8259>.

[4] Berners-Lee, T., Fielding, R., and L. Masinter, "Uniform Resource Identifier (URI): Generic Syntax", STD 66, RFC 3986, DOI 10.17487/RFC3986, January 2005, <https://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc3986>.


# Web4 Extensibility Framework

This document defines the framework for extending the Web4 protocol. A robust extensibility model is crucial for the long-term success and evolution of the standard, allowing for the introduction of new features and capabilities without breaking backward compatibility.

## 1. Extension Mechanism

Web4 extensions are defined as optional additions to the core protocol. Implementations are not required to support any extensions, but they MUST be able to parse and ignore any unknown extensions gracefully.

### 1.1. Extension Negotiation

Extensions are negotiated during the handshake and pairing process. A client MAY include a list of supported extensions in its initial handshake message. The server then responds with a list of extensions that it supports and wishes to use for the current session.

### 1.2. Extension Structure

Each extension is defined by a unique identifier and a set of parameters. The identifier is a short, human-readable string, and the parameters are defined in a key-value format.

## 2. Subprotocol Negotiation

Web4 supports the concept of subprotocols, which are application-level protocols layered on top of the core Web4 protocol. Subprotocols allow for the creation of specialized protocols for specific use cases.

### 2.1. Subprotocol Negotiation

Subprotocols are negotiated during the handshake and pairing process, similar to extensions. A client MAY include a list of supported subprotocols in its initial handshake message. The server then selects one of the proposed subprotocols to use for the session.

## 3. IANA Considerations

To ensure interoperability and prevent collisions, all Web4 extensions and subprotocols MUST be registered with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).

### 3.1. Extension Registry

A new IANA registry will be created for Web4 extensions. The registry will include the extension identifier, a brief description, and a reference to the relevant specification.

### 3.2. Subprotocol Registry

A new IANA registry will be created for Web4 subprotocols. The registry will include the subprotocol identifier, a brief description, and a reference to the relevant specification.


# Web4 Core Protocol Specification

This document provides the detailed specification for the Web4 core protocol, including the handshake and pairing process, messaging protocol, data formats, and URI scheme.




## 1. Handshake and Pairing Protocol

The Web4 handshake and pairing protocol is the process by which two Web4 entities establish a secure communication channel and create a persistent, trusted relationship. This protocol is designed to be secure, efficient, and flexible, allowing for a variety of pairing methods.

### 1.1. Protocol Overview

The pairing process consists of the following phases:

1.  **Discovery:** One entity discovers the other, either through a direct connection, a discovery service, or by scanning a QR code.
2.  **Handshake:** The two entities perform a cryptographic handshake to establish a secure channel and exchange their public keys.
3.  **Pairing:** The entities exchange and store their respective Web4 identifiers and public keys, creating a persistent pairing.
4.  **Witnessing (Optional):** A third-party witness may be involved to notarize the pairing, adding an extra layer of trust.

### 1.2. Handshake Messages

The handshake process involves the exchange of the following messages:

-   **ClientHello:** The initiating entity (client) sends a `ClientHello` message to the responding entity (server). This message includes the client's public key and a list of supported cryptographic algorithms.
-   **ServerHello:** The server responds with a `ServerHello` message, which includes its public key and the selected cryptographic algorithm.
-   **ClientFinished:** The client sends a `ClientFinished` message, which is encrypted with the server's public key and contains a signature of the handshake messages.
-   **ServerFinished:** The server responds with a `ServerFinished` message, which is encrypted with the client's public key and contains a signature of the handshake messages.

### 1.3. Pairing Methods

Web4 supports multiple pairing methods to accommodate different use cases:

-   **Direct Pairing:** Two entities connect directly and perform the handshake and pairing protocol.
-   **Mediated Pairing:** A trusted third-party mediator facilitates the pairing process between two entities that cannot connect directly.
-   **QR Code Pairing:** One entity displays a QR code containing its Web4 identifier and public key, which the other entity scans to initiate the pairing process.




## 2. Messaging Protocol

Once a secure channel has been established, Web4 entities can exchange messages. The Web4 messaging protocol is designed to be simple, efficient, and extensible, supporting a variety of message types and content formats.

### 2.1. Message Structure

A Web4 message consists of a header and a payload:

-   **Header:** The header contains metadata about the message, such as the message type, content type, and a unique message identifier.
-   **Payload:** The payload contains the actual content of the message, which can be in any format, including plain text, JSON, or binary data.

### 2.2. Message Types

Web4 defines a set of standard message types to support common interactions:

-   **`request`:** A message that requests an action or information from the recipient.
-   **`response`:** A message that responds to a `request` message.
-   **`event`:** A message that notifies the recipient of an event or a change in state.
-   **`credential`:** A message that contains a verifiable credential.

### 2.3. Message Encryption

All Web4 messages MUST be encrypted using the keys established during the handshake and pairing process. This ensures the confidentiality and integrity of the communication.




## 3. Data and Credential Formats

Web4 defines a set of standard data and credential formats to ensure interoperability between different implementations. These formats are based on existing open standards, such as JSON and JSON-LD, and are designed to be extensible and flexible.

### 3.1. Web4 Identifier (W4ID)

A Web4 Identifier (W4ID) is a globally unique identifier for a Web4 entity. It is based on the Decentralized Identifier (DID) specification from the W3C and has the following format:

`w4id:<method-name>:<method-specific-id>`

-   **`w4id`:** The URI scheme for Web4 Identifiers.
-   **`<method-name>`:** The name of the method used to create and manage the identifier (e.g., `key`, `web`).
-   **`<method-specific-id>`:** A method-specific identifier.

### 3.2. Verifiable Credentials

Web4 uses Verifiable Credentials (VCs) as defined by the W3C to represent claims and attestations. VCs are digitally signed credentials that can be verified by any party.

### 3.3. JSON-LD

Web4 uses JSON-LD (JSON for Linked Data) to represent data in a structured and interoperable way. JSON-LD allows for the use of semantic vocabularies, such as Schema.org, to describe the meaning of the data.




## 4. URI Scheme

The Web4 URI scheme provides a way to identify and locate Web4 resources. The scheme is based on the standard URI syntax defined in RFC 3986 and is designed to be flexible and extensible.

### 4.1. Syntax

The Web4 URI scheme has the following syntax:

`web4://<w4id>/<path-abempty>[?query][#fragment]`

-   **`web4://`:** The scheme identifier.
-   **`<w4id>`:** The Web4 Identifier of the entity that owns the resource.
-   **`<path-abempty>`:** An optional path to the resource.
-   **`[?query]`:** An optional query string.
-   **`[#fragment]`:** An optional fragment identifier.

### 4.2. Resolution

To resolve a Web4 URI, the client first resolves the W4ID to obtain the entity's service endpoint. The client then sends a request to the service endpoint, including the path, query, and fragment from the URI.


# Web4 Security Framework

This document defines the security framework for the Web4 standard. It covers the cryptographic primitives, key management, authentication and authorization, and a comprehensive analysis of security considerations.




## 1. Cryptographic Primitives

The security of the Web4 protocol relies on a set of well-established and secure cryptographic primitives. This section specifies the required and recommended algorithms for digital signatures, key exchange, and encryption.

### 1.1. Digital Signatures

Digital signatures are used to ensure the authenticity and integrity of messages and credentials. Web4 implementations MUST support the following digital signature algorithm:

-   **ECDSA with P-256 and SHA-256:** Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm with the P-256 curve and the SHA-256 hash function.

Implementations MAY support other signature algorithms, such as RSA, but ECDSA with P-256 and SHA-256 is the baseline for interoperability.

### 1.2. Key Exchange

Key exchange is used to establish a shared secret between two entities. Web4 implementations MUST support the following key exchange algorithm:

-   **ECDH with P-256:** Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman with the P-256 curve.

### 1.3. Symmetric Encryption

Symmetric encryption is used to encrypt messages and data. Web4 implementations MUST support the following symmetric encryption algorithm:

-   **AES-256-GCM:** Advanced Encryption Standard with a 256-bit key in Galois/Counter Mode.




## 2. Key Management

Proper key management is crucial for the security of the Web4 protocol. This section provides guidelines for key generation, storage, and rotation.

### 2.1. Key Generation

Web4 entities MUST generate their own key pairs. The key generation process MUST use a secure random number generator.

### 2.2. Key Storage

Private keys MUST be stored securely to prevent unauthorized access. Recommended storage methods include:

-   **Hardware Security Modules (HSMs):** For the highest level of security, private keys should be stored in an HSM.
-   **Secure Enclaves:** On devices that support it, private keys can be stored in a secure enclave, such as the Secure Enclave on Apple devices or the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) on Android devices.
-   **Encrypted Storage:** If an HSM or secure enclave is not available, private keys should be stored in an encrypted format, with the encryption key protected by a strong password or other authentication mechanism.

### 2.3. Key Rotation

To mitigate the risk of key compromise, Web4 entities SHOULD rotate their keys periodically. The key rotation process involves generating a new key pair and updating the entity's Web4 Identifier to use the new public key.




## 3. Authentication and Authorization

Authentication and authorization are essential for controlling access to Web4 resources and services. This section describes the mechanisms for verifying the identity of entities and determining their access rights.

### 3.1. Authentication

Authentication in Web4 is based on digital signatures. An entity authenticates itself by signing a challenge with its private key. The signature can then be verified by the other party using the entity's public key.

### 3.2. Authorization

Authorization in Web4 is based on Verifiable Credentials (VCs). A VC is a digitally signed credential that contains a set of claims about an entity. These claims can be used to determine the entity's access rights to a particular resource or service.

For example, a VC could be used to grant an entity access to a specific API, or to prove that the entity is over a certain age.


# Web4 Data Formats

This document specifies the data formats used in the Web4 protocol. These formats are designed to be flexible, extensible, and interoperable, leveraging existing open standards where possible.




## 1. Web4 Identifier (W4ID)

A Web4 Identifier (W4ID) is a globally unique identifier for a Web4 entity, compliant with the W3C Decentralized Identifier (DID) specification [1]. It provides a standard way to identify and locate Web4 entities in a decentralized manner.

### 1.1. Syntax

The W4ID has the following ABNF syntax:

`w4id = "did:web4:" method-name ":" method-specific-id`

- **`did:web4`**: The scheme and method prefix for Web4 Identifiers.
- **`method-name`**: The name of the method used to create and manage the identifier (e.g., `key`, `web`).
- **`method-specific-id`**: A method-specific identifier string.

### 1.2. Methods

Web4 defines the following methods for creating and managing W4IDs:

- **`key` method:** The `method-specific-id` is a public key, providing a simple and self-certifying identifier.
- **`web` method:** The `method-specific-id` is a domain name, allowing for the use of existing web infrastructure to host the W4ID document.

## 2. Verifiable Credentials (VCs)

Web4 uses Verifiable Credentials (VCs) as defined by the W3C [2] to represent claims and attestations. VCs are a standard way to create and verify digital credentials that are tamper-evident and cryptographically verifiable.

### 2.1. VC Structure

A Web4 VC is a JSON object that includes the following properties:

- **`@context`**: The JSON-LD context, which defines the vocabulary used in the credential.
- **`id`**: A unique identifier for the credential.
- **`type`**: The type of the credential (e.g., `VerifiableCredential`, `Web4Credential`).
- **`issuer`**: The W4ID of the entity that issued the credential.
- **`issuanceDate`**: The date and time when the credential was issued.
- **`credentialSubject`**: The subject of the credential, which is the entity that the claims are about.
- **`proof`**: A digital signature that proves the authenticity and integrity of the credential.

## 3. JSON-LD

Web4 uses JSON-LD (JSON for Linked Data) [3] to represent data in a structured and interoperable way. JSON-LD allows for the use of semantic vocabularies, such as Schema.org [4], to describe the meaning of the data, making it machine-readable and easy to process.

### 3.1. Context

Every Web4 message and credential that uses JSON-LD MUST include a `@context` property. The context can be a URL pointing to a JSON-LD context file, or an inline JSON object.

## References

[1] Sporny, M., Longley, D., Sabadello, M., Reed, D., and O. Steele, "Decentralized Identifiers (DIDs) v1.0", W3C Recommendation, July 2022, <https://www.w3.org/TR/did-core/>.

[2] Sporny, M., Longley, D., and D. Chadwick, "Verifiable Credentials Data Model v1.1", W3C Recommendation, March 2022, <https://www.w3.org/TR/vc-data-model/>.

[3] Sporny, M., Kellogg, G., and M. Lanthaler, "JSON-LD 1.1", W3C Recommendation, July 2020, <https://www.w3.org/TR/json-ld11/>.

[4] Guha, R.V., Brickley, D., and S. Macbeth, "Schema.org", <https://schema.org/>.


# Web4 Implementation Guide

This guide provides practical guidance for implementing the Web4 protocol. It covers the essential components, best practices, and common pitfalls to avoid when building Web4-compliant applications.

## 1. Getting Started

### 1.1. Prerequisites

Before implementing Web4, ensure you have:

- A solid understanding of cryptographic principles
- Familiarity with JSON and JSON-LD
- Knowledge of public key cryptography
- Understanding of the Verifiable Credentials specification

### 1.2. Core Dependencies

Web4 implementations typically require:

- **Cryptographic library:** For ECDSA, ECDH, and AES-GCM operations
- **JSON-LD processor:** For handling linked data
- **UUID generator:** For creating unique identifiers
- **Base64 encoder/decoder:** For data encoding

## 2. Implementation Steps

### 2.1. Key Generation

The first step in any Web4 implementation is generating a key pair:

```python
from cryptography.hazmat.primitives.asymmetric import ec
from cryptography.hazmat.backends import default_backend

# Generate a private key using the SECP256R1 curve
private_key = ec.generate_private_key(ec.SECP256R1(), default_backend())
public_key = private_key.public_key()
```

### 2.2. W4ID Generation

Generate a Web4 Identifier from the public key:

```python
import hashlib
import base64
from cryptography.hazmat.primitives import serialization

# Serialize the public key
public_key_bytes = public_key.public_bytes(
    encoding=serialization.Encoding.X962,
    format=serialization.PublicFormat.UncompressedPoint
)

# Create a hash of the public key
key_hash = hashlib.sha256(public_key_bytes).digest()

# Create the W4ID
key_id = base64.urlsafe_b64encode(key_hash[:16]).decode().rstrip('=')
w4id = f"did:web4:key:{key_id}"
```

### 2.3. Handshake Implementation

Implement the handshake protocol:

1. **ClientHello:** Send initial handshake message
2. **ServerHello:** Respond with server's public key
3. **Key Exchange:** Perform ECDH to establish shared secret
4. **ClientFinished/ServerFinished:** Complete the handshake

### 2.4. Message Encryption

Encrypt messages using AES-256-GCM:

```python
from cryptography.hazmat.primitives.ciphers.aead import AESGCM
import uuid

# Use the shared secret as the encryption key
aesgcm = AESGCM(session_key)
nonce = uuid.uuid4().bytes[:12]  # 96-bit nonce

# Encrypt the message
ciphertext = aesgcm.encrypt(nonce, plaintext.encode(), None)
```

## 3. Security Considerations

### 3.1. Key Storage

- **Never store private keys in plain text**
- Use hardware security modules (HSMs) when available
- Implement secure key derivation for storage encryption
- Consider using secure enclaves on supported platforms

### 3.2. Random Number Generation

- Use cryptographically secure random number generators
- Ensure sufficient entropy for key generation
- Never reuse nonces in encryption operations

### 3.3. Input Validation

- Validate all incoming messages against the protocol specification
- Implement proper error handling for malformed messages
- Use constant-time comparison for sensitive operations

## 4. Testing and Validation

### 4.1. Unit Testing

Test each component individually:

- Key generation and W4ID creation
- Message encryption and decryption
- Credential creation and verification
- Protocol message handling

### 4.2. Integration Testing

Test the complete protocol flow:

- End-to-end handshake process
- Message exchange between entities
- Error handling and recovery

### 4.3. Security Testing

- Test against known attack vectors
- Verify cryptographic implementations
- Perform penetration testing

## 5. Interoperability

### 5.1. Protocol Compliance

- Follow the specification exactly
- Implement all required features
- Handle optional features gracefully

### 5.2. Cross-Platform Testing

- Test with other Web4 implementations
- Verify message format compatibility
- Ensure consistent behavior across platforms

## 6. Performance Optimization

### 6.1. Cryptographic Operations

- Use hardware acceleration when available
- Cache expensive computations
- Implement efficient key management

### 6.2. Message Processing

- Optimize JSON parsing and serialization
- Implement efficient message queuing
- Use connection pooling for network operations

## 7. Common Pitfalls

### 7.1. Cryptographic Mistakes

- **Don't implement your own crypto:** Use well-tested libraries
- **Verify signatures properly:** Always validate message signatures
- **Handle key rotation:** Implement proper key lifecycle management

### 7.2. Protocol Violations

- **Follow message formats exactly:** Any deviation breaks interoperability
- **Implement proper error handling:** Don't expose internal errors
- **Validate all inputs:** Never trust external data

### 7.3. Security Issues

- **Protect against timing attacks:** Use constant-time operations
- **Implement proper access controls:** Verify permissions before actions
- **Log security events:** Monitor for suspicious activity

## 8. Deployment Considerations

### 8.1. Network Configuration

- Configure firewalls for Web4 traffic
- Implement proper load balancing
- Consider CDN deployment for global reach

### 8.2. Monitoring and Logging

- Monitor protocol compliance
- Log security events and errors
- Implement health checks and metrics

### 8.3. Backup and Recovery

- Backup critical keys and data
- Implement disaster recovery procedures
- Test recovery processes regularly

## 9. Resources and Support

### 9.1. Reference Implementation

The Web4 reference implementation provides:

- Complete protocol implementation
- Comprehensive test suite
- Example applications
- Documentation and tutorials

### 9.2. Community Support

- Join the Web4 developer community
- Participate in protocol discussions
- Contribute to the specification

### 9.3. Certification

Consider obtaining Web4 certification:

- Validates protocol compliance
- Ensures interoperability
- Builds user trust

## Conclusion

Implementing Web4 requires careful attention to security, protocol compliance, and interoperability. By following this guide and using the reference implementation as a starting point, developers can build robust and secure Web4 applications that contribute to the decentralized web ecosystem.

For the latest updates and additional resources, visit the official Web4 specification repository and community forums.

# Web4 Standard Maintenance and Evolution Process

This document outlines the governance structure for the Web4 standard, including the roles and responsibilities of the various community members, the decision-making process, and the process for proposing and ratifying changes to the standard.




## 1. Governance Structure

The Web4 community is open, transparent, and meritocratic. The governance structure is designed to be lightweight and to empower the community to make decisions effectively.

### 1.1. Roles and Responsibilities

-   **Contributors:** Anyone can be a contributor by participating in discussions, reporting issues, or submitting pull requests.
-   **Maintainers:** Experienced and trusted contributors who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the project. Maintainers have write access to the repository and are responsible for reviewing and merging pull requests.
-   **Steering Committee:** A small group of maintainers who are responsible for the overall direction of the project, including setting priorities, resolving disputes, and making final decisions on controversial issues.

### 1.2. Decision-Making Process

-   **Consensus:** The primary goal of the decision-making process is to reach consensus among the community.
-   **Voting:** If consensus cannot be reached, the Steering Committee may call for a vote. Only maintainers are eligible to vote.
-   **Transparency:** All decisions and the reasoning behind them will be documented and made public.

### 1.3. Change Management

-   **Proposals:** Changes to the standard are proposed through a Web4 Improvement Proposal (W4IP). A W4IP is a document that describes a proposed change in detail, including the motivation, technical specification, and any potential backward compatibility issues.
-   **Review:** W4IPs are reviewed by the community and the maintainers. The review process is open and transparent, and all feedback is welcome.
-   **Ratification:** Once a W4IP has been reviewed and approved, it is ratified by the Steering Committee and merged into the standard.


# Web4 Maintenance Infrastructure

This document describes the infrastructure and processes for maintaining the Web4 standard and its associated artifacts, including the specification, reference implementation, and test suite.




## 1. Repository Management

-   **Source Code:** The source code for the Web4 standard and its associated artifacts is hosted on GitHub.
-   **Branching Model:** The project uses a simple branching model, with a `main` branch for the latest stable version and feature branches for new development.
-   **Pull Requests:** All changes to the `main` branch must be made through a pull request. Pull requests must be reviewed and approved by at least two maintainers before they can be merged.

## 2. Issue Tracking

-   **GitHub Issues:** The project uses GitHub Issues to track bugs, feature requests, and other issues.
-   **Labels:** Issues are categorized using labels to make it easier to track and prioritize them.

## 3. Continuous Integration and Deployment

-   **Continuous Integration (CI):** The project uses a CI system to automatically build and test the code on every commit.
-   **Continuous Deployment (CD):** The project uses a CD system to automatically deploy the latest version of the specification and reference implementation to the project website.

## 4. Release Management

-   **Versioning:** The project uses semantic versioning to track releases.
-   **Release Process:** The release process is automated and includes the following steps:
    1.  Create a release branch.
    2.  Update the version number.
    3.  Generate a changelog.
    4.  Tag the release.
    5.  Publish the release to the project website and package repositories.


# Web4 Ecosystem Support

This document describes the resources and programs available to support the Web4 ecosystem, including developers, users, and other stakeholders.




## 1. Developer Resources

-   **Documentation:** The project provides comprehensive documentation, including the specification, implementation guides, and tutorials.
-   **Reference Implementation:** A reference implementation is available to help developers get started with Web4.
-   **Test Suite:** A conformance test suite is available to help developers verify that their implementations are compliant with the standard.

## 2. Community Support

-   **Mailing List:** A public mailing list is available for discussions and announcements.
-   **Forum:** A community forum is available for questions and support.
-   **Social Media:** The project maintains a presence on social media to engage with the community.

## 3. Grants and Funding

-   **Grant Program:** A grant program is available to support the development of Web4-related projects.
-   **Sponsorship:** The project accepts sponsorships from individuals and organizations who want to support the development of Web4.

## 4. Events and Outreach

-   **Hackathons:** The project organizes hackathons to encourage the development of new and innovative Web4 applications.
-   **Meetups:** The project supports local meetups to help build the Web4 community.
-   **Conference Presentations:** The project presents at conferences to raise awareness of Web4 and to engage with the broader developer community.


