RFC-RFCSTD-0004: RFC Kind — Best Current Practice (BCP)
RFC-RFCSTD-0004DraftstandardsstandardsStandards Trackv1.1.0
Authors
RFC-RFCSTD-0004: RFC Kind — Best Current Practice (BCP)
Abstract
This RFC defines the Best Current Practice (BCP) kind—operational guidelines and recommended practices that represent community consensus on effective approaches.
BCPs are more flexible than Architecture or Specification RFCs. They document practices that have proven effective, provide guidance rather than strict requirements, and can evolve as operational experience grows.
BCPs use SHOULD and RECOMMENDED rather than MUST, acknowledging that practices may need adaptation to specific contexts.
The BCP kind is modeled on the IETF BCP document series, which has successfully documented operational practices for internet infrastructure since 1995.
Scope Boundaries
| Aspect | In Scope | Out of Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Operational guidelines, recommended practices | System design, implementation requirements |
| Focus | How to operate effectively | What to build or how to implement |
| Keywords | SHOULD, RECOMMENDED, MAY | MUST (except safety/compliance) |
| Audience | Operators, SREs, developers | Architects (see Architecture), Implementers (see Specification) |
Table of Contents
Core Sections
| Section | File | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0. Index | 00-index.md | This file — metadata, abstract, navigation |
| 1. Scope | 01-scope.md | Applicability and what BCPs cover |
| 2. Normative Requirements | 02-requirements.md | Rules for writing BCPs |
| 3. Structure Definition | 03-structure.md | Required and optional sections |
| 4. Formatting Standards | 04-formatting.md | Style and presentation |
| 5. Validation Criteria | 05-validation.md | How to verify compliance |
| 6. Examples | 06-examples.md | Sample guidelines, procedures, considerations |
Appendices
| Appendix | File | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A. Glossary | appendix-a-glossary.md | Term definitions |
| B. References | appendix-b-references.md | Citations and version history |
Reading Paths
For BCP Authors
- Start with Scope to understand what BCPs cover
- Read Normative Requirements for writing rules
- Follow Structure Definition for section organization
- Review Examples for practical guidance
For RFC Reviewers
- Use Validation Criteria as review checklist
- Check keyword usage (SHOULD preferred over MUST)
- Verify rationale and exceptions are documented
For Operators Following BCPs
- Read Scope to understand when BCP applies
- Follow Guidelines for recommended practices
- Use Procedures for operational tasks
- Consider Considerations for context-specific adaptation
End of Index — RFC-RFCSTD-0004