Lightning RFCs

Pushing the platform forward

The "RFC" (request for comments) process is intended to provide a consistent and controlled path for new features to enter the framework.

Learn about the latests designs and proposals and help us drive the future of the platform.

Click on the rfc section on the top navbar to learn about any the RFCS on any specific area

When you need to follow this process

You need to follow this process if you intend to make "substantial" changes to code, their documentation, or any other projects under the umbrella of Lightning Platform. What constitutes a "substantial" change is evolving based on community norms, but may include the following:

  • A new feature that creates new API surface area, and would require a feature flag if introduced.
  • The removal of features that already shipped as part of the release channel.
  • The introduction of new idiomatic usage or conventions, even if they do not include code changes to the project itself.

Some changes do not require an RFC:

  • Rephrasing, reorganizing or refactoring
  • Addition or removal of warnings
  • Additions that strictly improve objective, numerical quality criteria (speedup, better browser support)

If you submit a pull request to implement a new feature without going through the RFC process, it may be closed with a polite request to submit an RFC first.

Gathering feedback before submitting

It's often helpful to get feedback on your concept before diving into the level of API design detail required for an RFC. You may open an issue on a particular repo or create an abstract doc to start a high-level discussion, with the goal of eventually formulating an RFC pull request with the specific implementation design.

What the process is

In short, to get a major feature added to a project under Lightnign Platform, one usually first gets the RFC merged into the RFC repo as a markdown file. At that point the RFC is 'active' and may be implemented with the goal of eventual inclusion.

  1. Ask someone with permissions to create a new repo based on the template repository.
  2. Copy 0000-template.md to text/0000-my-feature.md (where 'my-feature' is descriptive. Don't assign an RFC number yet).
  3. Fill in the RFC. Put care into the details: RFCs that do not present convincing motivation, demonstrate understanding of the impact of the design, or are disingenuous about the drawbacks or alternatives tend to be poorly-received.
  4. Submit a pull request. As a pull request the RFC will receive design feedback from the larger community, and the author should be prepared to revise it in response.
  5. Build consensus and integrate feedback. RFCs that have broad support are much more likely to make progress than those that don't receive any comments.
  6. Eventually, the team will decide whether the RFC is a candidate for inclusion on the project.
  7. RFCs that are candidates for inclusion will enter a "final comment period" lasting 3 calendar days. The beginning of this period will be signaled with a comment and tag on the RFCs pull request.
  8. An RFC can be modified based upon feedback from the team and community. Significant modifications may trigger a new final comment period.
  9. An RFC may be rejected by the team after public discussion has settled and comments have been made summarizing the rationale for rejection. A member of the team should then close the RFCs associated pull request.
  10. An RFC may be accepted at the close of its final comment period. A team member will merge the RFCs associated pull request, at which point the RFC will become 'active'.
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