pedwfrontend/.clinerules/default-rules.md

Default Rules (Reference Only)

Important

This file is not the active rule set for this refactor branch.

Active working rules are defined in:

• .clinerules/refactor-branch-rules.md
• context/refactor-branch-charter.md
• context/newappeal-refactor-guardrails.md

Do not load this file by default.

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Purpose

This file provides general repository-wide guidance and may be referenced when needed for broader context.

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Repository Mission

Deliver safe, accessible, bilingual (EN/CY), and reliable public-service functionality without regressing core journeys.

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General Priorities

1. Safety and security of user data
2. Stability of public-facing journeys
3. Accessibility and bilingual parity
4. Maintainability of code
5. Controlled, safe delivery

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General Coding Guidance

• Follow existing repo patterns
• Keep page-level logic thin
• Move reusable logic into components/, actions/, or lib/
• Avoid broad refactors in feature or bugfix work
• Prefer small, focused changes

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Architecture Guardrails (General)

• Do not bypass auth/session handling
• Do not weaken security controls
• Preserve relay request integrity
• Maintain EN/CY route parity
• Keep Redux hydration/persistence stable

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Validation Expectations (General)

• linting must pass
• user-facing changes must be verified
• accessibility and EN/CY checks required
• sensitive flows require negative-path checks

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When To Use This File

Only reference this file when:

• broader repository rules are required
• behaviour conflicts are unclear
• no branch-specific guidance exists

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Summary

This file is background guidance only.

For this refactor branch:

• follow branch-specific rules first
• prioritise behaviour preservation
• keep context minimal and focused

Branching Guidance (Reference)

Branching depends on work type:

• BAU work typically branches from SIPS-Development
• refactor-stream work for the new appeal flow uses refactor as the base branch

Follow branch-specific rules first.