Scenario Selection Guide¶
Guide Maps¶
graph LR
shape["Public shape routes"] --> definition["Definition-time review"]
definition --> invoke["Invocation routes"]
invoke --> proof["Proof routes"]
flowchart LR
question["What do you need to learn or prove?"] --> route["Choose the matching public route"]
route --> guide["Open the matching local guide"]
guide --> proof["Escalate to tests or saved bundles only when needed"]
Use this guide when the capstone now has enough routes that choosing the next one could become its own source of noise. The goal is to keep route selection proportional to the metaprogramming question you actually have.
Route matrix¶
| If the question is about... | Start with | Then |
|---|---|---|
| what exists publicly before invocation | make manifest, make registry, make plugin |
PLUGIN_RUNTIME_GUIDE.md and INSPECTION_GUIDE.md |
| what generated call shapes look like | make signatures |
DEFINITION_TIME_GUIDE.md and tests/test_registry.py |
| what one concrete action does | make demo |
SCENARIO_GUIDE.md and PLUGIN_CATALOG.md |
| what the wrapper adds at runtime | make trace |
TRACE_GUIDE.md and tests/test_runtime.py |
| what can be reviewed later without rerunning commands | make inspect, make tour, or make verify-report |
BUNDLE_GUIDE.md and PROOF_GUIDE.md |
| what the strongest local bar is | make confirm |
TEST_GUIDE.md |
Best entry by learner need¶
- start with the public shape routes if metaclass and descriptor consequences still feel abstract
- start with
signaturesif generated constructors are the main source of confusion - start with
traceif decorator behavior still feels magical - start with saved bundles if the individual commands are clear but the whole review route is not
Best companion guides¶
- read TARGET_GUIDE.md when you want the command list restated at the target level
- read PROOF_GUIDE.md when the route question is really a proof-strength question
- read WALKTHROUGH_GUIDE.md when you want one staged review order instead of route choice
- read MECHANISM_SELECTION_GUIDE.md when the route is clear but the ownership mechanism is not