BIP Template

Updated: 18 February 2025

Title:

Description:

Author: [Your Name] <your.email@example.com>

Discussions-to: [Link to discussion forum or issue tracker]

Status: Draft

Type: Standards Track  *(Or Informational, Process, etc. – see BIP guidelines)*

Category: Application *(Or other relevant category)*

Created: [Date – YYYY-MM-DD]

Abstract

The Abstract of a BIP (Basic Improvement Proposal) concisely summarizes the proposal, highlighting the problem being addressed, the proposed solution, and its key benefits. It serves as a brief overview, allowing readers to quickly grasp the core idea and its potential impact. This section should be clear, compelling, and informative, enticing readers to explore the full proposal for more details. Keep it short and focused, ideally within a few paragraphs, emphasizing the what and why of the proposed improvement.

Motivation

*Explain the specific problem your BIP addresses.*

Specification

The Specification section of a BIP details how the proposed improvement will be implemented. It provides the technical details and design choices necessary for understanding and implementing the solution. This section should be clear, precise, and unambiguous, outlining the proposed changes in sufficient detail for others to evaluate and potentially implement them. It may include diagrams, code snippets, or formal specifications as appropriate. The Specification section is the core of the BIP, providing the concrete details of the proposed solution and serving as a blueprint for implementation.

Rationale

The Rationale section of a BIP explains the reasoning behind the proposed solution and the specific choices made in the Specification. It justifies the design decisions, explaining why a particular approach was chosen over alternatives. This section should address potential concerns and trade-offs, providing a clear explanation of the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed solution. The Rationale section demonstrates the thought process behind the proposal, showcasing a thorough understanding of the problem and the chosen solution. It answers the question “Why was this approach chosen?” and provides context for the technical details presented in the Specification.

Backwards Compatibility

Describe any backwards compatibility considerations.*  If none, state “No backward compatibility issues found.

Test Cases

The Test Cases section of a BIP outlines specific tests that can be used to verify the correct implementation and functionality of the proposed improvement. These test cases should cover a range of scenarios, including typical use cases, edge cases, and potential error conditions. Each test case should clearly define the input, expected output, and any setup or teardown steps required. Well-defined test cases provide a way to objectively evaluate the implementation and ensure it meets the requirements outlined in the Specification. This section helps to demonstrate the completeness and correctness of the proposed solution and facilitates future testing and maintenance.

Reference Implementation

*If a reference implementation exists, provide a link.*  If not, state “A reference implementation is planned for future development.”

Security Considerations

The Test Cases section of a BIP outlines specific tests that can be used to verify the correct implementation and functionality of the proposed improvement. These test cases should cover a range of scenarios, including typical use cases, edge cases, and potential error conditions. Each test case should clearly define the input, expected output, and any setup or teardown steps required. Well-defined test cases provide a way to objectively evaluate the implementation and ensure it meets the requirements outlined in the Specification. This section helps to demonstrate the completeness and correctness of the proposed solution and facilitates future testing and maintenance.