# Convergence Milestone Releases (C0-C3)

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://deploy-preview-472--lucky-concha-f3599f.netlify.app/llms.txt).

We introduced explicit convergence milestones so developers have clear, recommended jump-off points for new state work.

Convergence states are not just another node in the graph. They are curated checkpoints where multiple concerns have been intentionally composed and validated.

## Why We Added Convergence States

*   Keep transitional states focused and easy to reason about.
*   Provide stable branch points for new enhancements.
*   Avoid repeatedly re-solving baseline architecture choices in each new state.

## Current Convergence Levels

*   `C0`: `004-containerized-compose-runtime`
*   `C1`: `007-observability-lgtm-compose`
*   `C2`: `009-order-management-matcher`
*   `C3`: `012-platform-convergence-c3`

## Dotted-Line Inheritance

Convergence states can declare dotted-line lineage for documentation and learning context, while keeping a single publish parent for branch ancestry.

That lets us carry forward improvements into the best “next base” without creating ambiguous multi-parent publish history.

## Convergence View

Diagram source

```mermaid
flowchart LR
  C0["C0 / 003"] --> C1["C1 / 006"]
  C1 --> C2["C2 / 008"]
  C2 --> C3["C3 / 011"]
```

## Contribution Guidance

*   For most new features, start from the nearest convergence state that already contains needed prerequisites.
*   If a convergence state is changed, document explicit rationale.
*   Use dotted-line lineage only when it clarifies learning inheritance, not branch ancestry.

## Decision + Navigation Links

*   ADR: [ADR-008 Convergence State Model](https://deploy-preview-472--lucky-concha-f3599f.netlify.app/docs/adr/008-convergence-state-model.md)
*   Visual learning graphs: [/docs/learning-paths](https://deploy-preview-472--lucky-concha-f3599f.netlify.app/docs/learning-paths.md)
*   State catalog: [/docs/spec-kit/state-docs](https://deploy-preview-472--lucky-concha-f3599f.netlify.app/docs/spec-kit/state-docs.md)