# Bangstack Vision

**Last Updated**: 2025-10-12

## Your Vision (In Your Words)

I'm an automation engineer that wants to start working as a freelance software engineer, building apps for customers with custom needs. One of the problems I noticed was that apps are hard to maintain due to the **lack of connectivity** - one part of the app needed to know about another part, but that info needed to be provided manually. There is little automation in app creation and maintenance, which made work slow and inefficient. Humans had to step in to update docs, or docs would go out of date. We updated dozens of different Notion docs or Linear issues to the point where we didn't know what was current or outdated. Getting proper data for a feature could sometimes take months that required refactors of the data model. This is not the way I want to build, especially as someone who thrives from automating processes.

My dream is to build an entire app by just communicating my requirements and what I expect. A database will be created based on the schema that meets my requirements. A design system would be built with the components and styling that makes sense to me. All layers of the app - API, background tasks, notifications, even marketing would be the result of these requirements and expectations. And data would flow in an intuitive way. I would specify if notifications need to know data about the user or some other model. Documentation could be instantly connected to the implementation code, as the docs are in sync with workflows a person takes, and dynamically in sync with the business logic. I just want app creation to be automated and aware of itself.

I want the ability to create literally any kind of app. Any language, any industry or space, any level of functionality. I want this process to be easy enough that I can create demo apps that follow a consistent and reusable pattern. And I want the apps to be easy to maintain, with no major refactors when changing or updating a piece of logic.

---

## Core Concepts Distilled

### The Problem You're Solving

**Lack of Connectivity**
- Parts of an app need to know about other parts, but information must be manually propagated
- When you add/change something, humans must manually update all dependent parts
- Documentation falls out of sync with implementation
- Multiple sources of truth (Notion, Linear, code) that diverge over time
- Data model changes require massive refactors (months of work)
- Result: Slow, inefficient, error-prone development

### Your Background & Motivation

- **Automation engineer** transitioning to freelance software engineering
- Building custom apps for clients
- You thrive on automating processes
- You've experienced the pain of manual coordination firsthand

### The Dream: Self-Aware, Automated Application Creation

**Input**: Requirements and expectations (plain communication)

**Automatic Output**:
- Database schema that meets requirements
- Design system with appropriate components and styling
- Complete tech stack:
  - API
  - Background tasks
  - Notifications
  - Marketing automation
  - All other layers
- Intuitive data flow (you specify what needs to know what)
- Documentation automatically connected to implementation
- Docs in sync with both user workflows AND business logic

**Key Property**: "App creation automated and aware of itself"
- When you change one thing, everything that needs to know automatically updates
- No manual propagation
- No refactors required

### Scope & Goals

**Universal Capability**
- ANY kind of app
- ANY language
- ANY industry or domain
- ANY level of functionality

**Developer Experience**
- Easy enough to quickly create demo apps
- Consistent, reusable patterns
- Easy maintenance
- No major refactors when changing/updating logic

**Use Case**: Freelance software engineer building custom apps for clients efficiently

---

## Key Insights

1. **"Lack of connectivity" is the root problem** - Not lack of tools, but lack of automatic awareness between parts

2. **"Self-aware apps"** - The system must understand its own structure and dependencies

3. **"Intuitive data flow"** - You declare relationships once (e.g., "notifications need user data"), and the system handles propagation

4. **"Docs in sync with workflows"** - Not just technical docs, but documentation of user journeys that stays current with implementation

5. **"No major refactors"** - The architecture must gracefully handle changes without cascading rewrites

6. **Automation mindset** - You're applying automation principles to software development itself

---

## Essential Infrastructure (The Three Pillars)

You emphasize that **defining schemas and continuously planning infrastructure is critical**. Every new app should have three foundational pieces by default:

### 1. Database
- **Why**: Any enterprise-level app requires this
- **Role**: Single source of truth for data models

### 2. Design System
- **Why**: "This is something I rarely see prioritized" - but it's what makes an app look and function beautifully
- **Role**: UI elements and frontend state management
- **Importance**: Often overlooked, but critical for user experience

### 3. API
- **Why**: Another must-have
- **Role**: Connects the frontend to data models
- **Bridge**: Links the database and design system

### Other Infrastructure
There are other reusable infrastructure pieces that would be valuable, but these three are **the most important**.

### Critical Property: Mutual Awareness
"It would be cool for the context of these infrastructure items to be aware of each other."

**Examples of awareness**:
- When you add a data model → API endpoints automatically generated → Design system components know the data structure
- When you change a database field → API updates → UI components reflect the change
- When you add a UI component that needs data → API knows what to fetch → Database schema includes required fields

**This is the connectivity principle applied to infrastructure layers.**

---

## Technology Agnosticism & Context Awareness

A critical design principle: **Workflows and actions should be technology-agnostic**. The system defines WHAT needs to happen, not HOW it happens in a specific technology.

### Non-Destructive Technology Switching

It should not be destructive to switch:
- **Frontend**: React → Angular
- **Database**: Postgres → MySQL
- **Backend**: Python → Go
- **Styling**: Tailwind → CSS
- **Services**: Shopify → Stripe

### How This Works

**Layer 1: Abstract Workflows**
Define what happens without technology opinion:
- "Process payment"
- "Send confirmation email"
- "Update inventory"

**Layer 2: Technology Context**
The system knows:
- Backend language: Node.js
- Payment provider: Stripe
- Database: PostgreSQL

**Layer 3: Implementation**
Code is generated with the correct:
- Imports (`import Stripe from 'stripe'` for Node, `import stripe` for Python)
- Patterns (async/await for Node, goroutines for Go)
- API calls (matching the language SDK)

### Context Propagation Across Technologies

**Key Insight**: "A Stripe implementation would need to know if we're working in Node or Python to know what files and API to import."

**Example**: Payment Processing
```
Abstract: "Process payment with Stripe"

Context Needed:
- Backend language: Node.js
- Payment provider: Stripe
- API version: latest

Generated (Node.js):
import Stripe from 'stripe';
const stripe = new Stripe(process.env.STRIPE_SECRET_KEY);

Generated (Python):
import stripe
stripe.api_key = os.environ['STRIPE_SECRET_KEY']
```

### Switching Technologies

**Scenario**: Switch from Node.js to Python

**What Happens**:
1. Update technology context: `backend: python`
2. System checks: Does Python implementation exist?
   - **If yes**: Switch to existing Python implementation
   - **If no**: Generate new Python implementation
3. All integrations regenerate with Python patterns:
   - Stripe uses Python SDK
   - Database uses Python ORM
   - API uses Python framework (FastAPI/Flask)

**No rewrite of workflows required** - only implementation changes.

### The Importance of Context

"Every part of the app should know the context it needs to know so it has the data it needs to function the best it can, and as I expect."

**Context is multi-dimensional**:
- **Functional context**: What data does this component need? (notifications need user data)
- **Technical context**: What language/framework am I in? (use the right imports)
- **Integration context**: What services are available? (Stripe vs PayPal)
- **Environmental context**: What stage am I in? (dev vs production)

**Each part has exactly the context it needs** - no more, no less.

---

## Testing: Critical, Automated, and Multi-Purpose

**"I can't stress the importance of testing. Everything should be tested."**

You need proof that logic and features work correctly. However, tests are often deprioritized because they're time-consuming to set up and maintain.

### The Testing Challenge

**Why tests don't get written**:
- Time-consuming to set up and maintain
- Difficult to test beyond business logic:
  - Database changes
  - API calls
  - External integrations (Stripe, Slack, etc.)
- Uncertainty about approach: "Do I connect to Stripe in a test, or should I mock it?"
- Management complexity leads to avoiding tests altogether

### Automated Test Generation from Workflows

**Key Insight**: "Workflows and data expectations can infer what tests are needed."

**Example**:
```
Workflow: Customer Checkout
Steps:
1. Add product to cart
2. Select payment method
3. Complete purchase

Auto-generated tests:
✓ Can add product to cart
✓ Can select payment method (for each: Stripe, PayPal, Klarna)
✓ Payment processes successfully
✓ Order is created in database
✓ Confirmation email is sent
✓ Inventory is decremented
✓ Cart is cleared

Integration tests:
✓ Stripe payment integration (with test mode API)
✓ Email delivery (with test provider)
✓ Database transactions rollback on failure
```

**Tests are inferred from**:
- Workflow steps (each step gets a test)
- Events emitted (verify event is triggered)
- Data requirements (verify required data exists)
- Integration points (test each service integration)

### Testing Strategy for Different Scenarios

**Business Logic**: Unit tests (fast, isolated)

**Database Changes**:
- Use test database
- Transaction rollback after each test
- Auto-generated fixtures from schema

**API Calls**:
- Internal APIs: Integration tests with test database
- External APIs: Test mode when available (Stripe test keys)

**External Integrations**:
- **When to use real API**: Service provides test mode (Stripe, SendGrid)
- **When to mock**: No test mode, or expensive calls
- System should know which strategy to use per integration

### Tests as Proof of Concept and Marketing

**Revolutionary idea**: Tests serve three purposes simultaneously:

#### 1. Validation
Traditional role - ensure features work correctly

#### 2. Living Documentation
Tests show exactly how features are used

#### 3. Marketing and Demos

**"I would love to record a video of a test run in Playwright of a feature being used."**

**The workflow**:
1. Write Playwright test that simulates real user interaction
2. Run test and record video
3. Video shows feature working exactly as a real user would use it
4. Add audio commentary or captions
5. Publish as:
   - YouTube tutorial
   - Social media short
   - Product demo
   - Client proof-of-concept

**Benefits**:
- Tests double as demo recordings
- Always up-to-date (regenerate video from test)
- Shows real functionality, not mockups
- Can be used for marketing and client presentations
- Automation mindset: One artifact (test), multiple uses

**Example**:
```bash
# Run test and record
bangstack test checkout-flow --record --with-commentary

# Outputs:
✓ Test passed
✓ Video recorded: demos/checkout-flow.mp4
✓ Commentary added
✓ Ready for YouTube/social media
```

### Test Generation Requirements

For every workflow, automatically generate:
- **Unit tests** for business logic
- **Integration tests** for database operations
- **API tests** for endpoints
- **E2E tests** (Playwright) for user flows
- **Video demos** from E2E tests for marketing

Tests should be:
- Easy to run
- Self-contained (set up their own fixtures)
- Fast (use test databases, mock when appropriate)
- Maintainable (regenerate when workflows change)

---

## Documentation: Comprehensive, User-Focused, Always Current

Beyond step-by-step workflow documentation, you want documentation that acts as a complete knowledge base answering real user questions and removing blockers.

### The Five Types of Documentation Needed

#### 1. How-Tos (Instructional)
**"How do I do this thing?"**
- Step-by-step guides for accomplishing tasks
- Generated from workflows
- Shows the happy path

**Example**:
- "How do I process a refund?"
- "How do I add a new team member?"
- "How do I export my data?"

#### 2. Troubleshooting (Problem-Solving)
**"What do I do if this thing isn't working?"**
- Common issues and solutions
- Error messages and what they mean
- Recovery steps

**Example**:
- "Payment failed - what should I do?"
- "I can't log in - how do I reset my password?"
- "My order didn't go through - how do I retry?"

#### 3. Explanatory (Conceptual)
**"What is this thing? What is its function or how does it help me?"**
- Explains features and concepts
- Describes purpose and benefits
- Helps users understand the system

**Example**:
- "What is a project workspace?"
- "Why do I need to verify my email?"
- "How does the subscription billing work?"

#### 4. Prerequisites (Requirements)
**"What do I need to have in order to do this thing?"**
- What must be set up first
- Required permissions or roles
- Dependencies between features

**Example**:
- "Before you can checkout, you need: items in cart, shipping address, payment method"
- "To invite team members, you must be an admin"
- "Exporting data requires a Pro subscription"

#### 5. Best Practices (Optimization)
**"What are some tips to make sure this thing works well for me?"**
- Recommendations and tips
- Common patterns
- Performance considerations

**Example**:
- "For best results, add products to your cart before selecting shipping"
- "Use strong passwords with at least 12 characters"
- "Projects with fewer than 50 tasks perform better"

### How Documentation is Generated

#### From Workflows
```yaml
Workflow: Customer Checkout
Step: Select Payment Method

Generated docs:
- How-to: "How to select a payment method"
- Troubleshooting: "What if my payment method isn't accepted?"
- Explanation: "Payment methods: PayPal, Klarna, and Credit Card"
- Prerequisites: "You must have items in your cart before selecting payment"
- Tips: "Save your payment method for faster checkout next time"
```

#### From Events and Error Conditions
```yaml
Event: payment_failed
Triggers: show_error_message

Generated docs:
- Troubleshooting: "If payment fails, check that:"
  - Your card has sufficient funds
  - Your card details are correct
  - Your bank hasn't blocked the transaction
- Recovery: "Try a different payment method or contact support"
```

#### From Component Descriptions
```yaml
Component: wishlist
Description: Save products for later

Generated docs:
- Explanation: "The wishlist lets you save products you're interested in without buying them immediately"
- Use case: "Use the wishlist to track items you might want to buy in the future"
```

#### From Requirements/Dependencies
```yaml
Step: place_order
Requires:
  - cart_has_items
  - payment_method_selected
  - shipping_address_confirmed

Generated docs:
- Prerequisites: "Before placing an order:"
  - Add at least one item to your cart
  - Select a payment method
  - Confirm your shipping address
```

### Documentation Structure

**User-facing documentation should be organized by**:
1. **Getting Started** - Initial setup and first steps
2. **Feature Guides** - How to use each feature (from workflows)
3. **Troubleshooting** - Common problems and solutions (from error conditions)
4. **FAQ** - Frequently asked questions (from all sources)
5. **Reference** - Complete feature list and glossary (from components)

### Documentation as a Living System

**Key properties**:
- **Always current** - Regenerates when workflows change
- **Comprehensive** - Covers all five question types
- **Contextual** - Shows relevant docs based on where user is
- **Searchable** - Users can find answers quickly
- **Multi-format** - Can be generated as:
  - Web pages
  - PDF guides
  - In-app help tooltips
  - API documentation
  - Video tutorials (from test recordings)

### Integration with Implementation

**Documentation knows about**:
- Current workflows (what steps exist)
- Error conditions (what can go wrong)
- Requirements (what's needed for each step)
- User roles (what each actor can do)
- Integration status (what services are configured)

**Example of context-aware documentation**:
```
User tries to checkout without items in cart

System shows:
- Error: "Your cart is empty"
- Help link: "How to add items to your cart" (prerequisite documentation)
- Related: "Browse our products" (link to catalog)
```

Documentation is not separate from the app - it's **part of the connected system**, staying in sync automatically.

---

## Seamless Handoff: Zero Tribal Knowledge

**"There's a chance the app I built will be handed off to an engineering team or a stakeholder at the company I'm working with."**

As a freelance software engineer, you need to deliver apps that can be handed off cleanly. The client's team should be able to take over with **no doubts or issues**.

### The Handoff Problem (Traditional Development)

**What typically goes wrong**:
- Tribal knowledge exists only in the original developer's head
- Documentation is incomplete or outdated
- New team doesn't understand why decisions were made
- Codebase structure is unclear
- Dependencies and connections aren't obvious
- Onboarding takes weeks or months
- Questions require reaching back out to the original developer

**Result**: Friction, delays, and frustration for everyone involved.

### The Bangstack Handoff Solution

**"There should be no doubts or issues that the handoff will lead to a painless onboarding and all knowledge is provided by the documentation and the codebase."**

### Complete Knowledge Transfer

**Everything needed to run, maintain, and extend the app is provided**:

#### For Engineers
- **Codebase**:
  - Clean, generated code with consistent patterns
  - No magic or hidden complexity
  - Clear file structure and naming
  - Type safety and validation throughout

- **Technical Documentation**:
  - Architecture overview (event-driven system diagram)
  - API documentation (all endpoints, parameters, responses)
  - Database schema with relationships
  - Integration guides (how Stripe/SendGrid/etc. are configured)
  - Deployment instructions
  - Environment setup guide

- **Development Guides**:
  - How to add new features (following the workflow pattern)
  - How to modify existing features
  - How to run tests
  - How to debug common issues
  - How the event system works (what emits, what consumes)

#### For Stakeholders (Non-Technical)
- **Product Documentation**:
  - What the app does (user workflows)
  - Who uses it (actors and roles)
  - How features work (step-by-step guides)
  - What integrations exist (payment, email, analytics)

- **Business Documentation**:
  - Requirements that were implemented
  - Decisions made and why
  - Scope and limitations
  - Future enhancement recommendations

#### For Both Audiences
- **Video Demos** (from test recordings):
  - How each feature works
  - Real user interactions
  - Visual proof of functionality

- **Living Documentation**:
  - Always current with implementation
  - Searchable and organized
  - Covers all five question types
  - Links code to requirements

### Zero Tribal Knowledge Principle

**Everything is explicit, nothing is implicit**:

```
Why is the payment flow structured this way?
→ See requirements.md and workflow documentation

How do notifications know about new orders?
→ See event flow diagram: order_created event → email_system component

What needs to change to add a new payment method?
→ See integration guide: "Adding a Payment Provider"

Where is user authentication handled?
→ See architecture docs: auth component in API layer
```

**No question should require contacting the original developer.**

### Onboarding Checklist (Auto-Generated)

When you hand off a project, Bangstack generates a complete onboarding package:

```
📦 Handoff Package for [Project Name]

✓ README.md - Project overview and quick start
✓ ARCHITECTURE.md - System design and event flow
✓ SETUP.md - Environment setup and deployment
✓ API.md - Complete API reference
✓ DATABASE.md - Schema and relationships
✓ INTEGRATIONS.md - Third-party services configuration
✓ WORKFLOWS.md - User journeys and business logic
✓ TESTING.md - How to run and write tests
✓ MAINTENANCE.md - Common tasks and troubleshooting
✓ EXTENDING.md - How to add new features

📁 Videos/
  ✓ feature-demos/ - Recorded tests showing all features
  ✓ onboarding/ - Video walkthrough of codebase

📁 Source Code/
  ✓ Clean, generated code with consistent patterns
  ✓ Tests for all features
  ✓ Type definitions
  ✓ Environment templates

📁 Internal Specs/
  ✓ .bangstack/internal/ - YAML specifications
  ✓ These define the system and can regenerate code if needed
```

### Painless Onboarding Experience

**Day 1 for new team**:
1. Read README.md (10 minutes) - understand what the app does
2. Run setup script (5 minutes) - environment configured
3. Run tests (2 minutes) - verify everything works
4. Watch feature demos (30 minutes) - see how features work
5. Review architecture docs (1 hour) - understand system design

**Day 2+**:
- Start making changes following the patterns
- Refer to docs as needed
- Run tests to verify changes
- Everything is documented and discoverable

**No confusion. No blockers. No need to reach back to you.**

### Handoff Benefits for Your Freelance Business

1. **Professional Delivery**
   - Clients receive complete, professional package
   - Demonstrates thoroughness and quality
   - Builds trust and reputation

2. **Clean Exit**
   - No lingering questions or support requests
   - Client can immediately take ownership
   - You're free to move to next project

3. **Repeat Business**
   - Smooth handoff leads to referrals
   - Clients confident in your work
   - "Easy to work with" reputation

4. **Scalability**
   - Can take on more projects
   - Less time on post-delivery support
   - Focus on building, not explaining

### The Promise

When you deliver a Bangstack-built app:

**"Your team can take this and run with it immediately. Everything you need to know is documented. Everything is tested. The code is clean and consistent. You don't need me to explain anything - it's all here."**

That's the handoff experience Bangstack enables.

---

## Versioning & State Management

**"I know we discussed versioning before - that's another thing I want to emphasize, but was never sure how to properly implement it."**

You need to understand the "state" of the app at any point in time. Configuration and code should be versioned together so you can travel back to any previous state.

### The Versioning Objective

**"My objective is to ensure that the configuration we define can be memoized so that we can switch between versions and get the current config and implementation code if it's associated to a specific version."**

### What Needs to Be Versioned Together

Each version should capture the complete state:

**Configuration Layer**:
- Requirements (what was requested)
- Internal YAML (workflows, events, components, stack)
- Technology choices (Node.js, React, PostgreSQL, etc.)
- Integration settings (which payment providers, email services)

**Implementation Layer**:
- Generated code
- Database migrations
- Tests
- Documentation

**Meta Information**:
- Timestamp
- What changed from previous version
- Why the change was made
- Who requested it (you or client)

### Use Cases for Versioning

#### 1. Time Travel
```bash
# View history
bang versions

v1.0.0 - Initial e-commerce app
v1.1.0 - Added wishlist feature
v1.2.0 - Switched from Stripe to PayPal
v1.3.0 - Added product reviews

# Switch to previous version
bangstack checkout v1.1.0

# Everything reverts:
- Configuration shows state at v1.1.0
- Code matches v1.1.0 implementation
- Tests from v1.1.0
- Documentation from v1.1.0
```

#### 2. Comparison
```bash
# What changed between versions?
bangstack diff v1.1.0 v1.3.0

Configuration changes:
+ Added reviews component
+ Added review_submitted event
+ Product model now has reviews relationship

Code changes:
+ src/models/Review.ts
+ src/routes/reviews.ts
+ src/pages/ReviewPage.tsx
~ src/pages/ProductDetailPage.tsx (updated)

Database changes:
+ migrations/004_create_reviews.sql
```

#### 3. Rollback
```bash
# Deployed v1.3.0 but there's a bug
bangstack rollback v1.2.0

# Entire system reverts to v1.2.0 state
✓ Configuration restored
✓ Code restored
✓ Database can be rolled back (down migrations)
✓ Tests restored
```

#### 4. Branching for Experiments
```bash
# Try adding a feature without committing
bangstack branch experiment/new-checkout-flow

# Make changes, test them
# If it works:
bangstack merge experiment/new-checkout-flow

# If not:
bangstack delete-branch experiment/new-checkout-flow
# Main version unchanged
```

### Version Metadata

Each version knows:
```yaml
version: 1.3.0
timestamp: 2025-10-12T15:30:00Z
description: Added product reviews feature
changes:
  - Added reviews component
  - Updated product pages to show reviews
  - Generated review submission API
requirements_hash: abc123...
configuration_hash: def456...
code_hash: ghi789...
parent_version: 1.2.0
stage: production  # Which stage this is deployed to
```

### Integration with Development Workflow

**During development**:
```bash
# You're at v1.2.0
bangstack chat
You: Add product reviews

AI: Adding reviews feature...
     Generated new configuration
     Creating version 1.3.0-draft

# Test it
bangstack test

# Happy with it?
bangstack commit -m "Add product reviews"
# v1.3.0 is now official

# Not happy?
bangstack discard
# Back to v1.2.0
```

### Immutable Versions

Once a version is committed:
- Configuration is immutable
- Can always recreate exact implementation
- No "drift" between config and code
- **Memoization**: Version state is cached, switching is instant

---

## Development Stages: Context-Aware Environments

**"Keeping track of the development stage is important as a developer - this would help us know the different contexts."**

Different stages have different requirements, data, and configurations.

### Standard Stages

#### 1. Local Development
**Context**:
- Database: Local PostgreSQL
- APIs: Mock data or test mode
- Payments: Stripe test mode
- Email: Console output (no real emails)
- Fast iteration, hot reload

**Purpose**: Rapid development and debugging

#### 2. Testing (CI/CD)
**Context**:
- Database: Ephemeral test database
- APIs: Mocked or test endpoints
- Payments: Mock payment processor
- Email: Mock email service
- Automated test runs

**Purpose**: Continuous integration validation

#### 3. Staging
**Context**:
- Database: Staging database (production-like)
- APIs: Staging endpoints
- Payments: Stripe test mode (real API calls)
- Email: Test email addresses only
- Production-like environment

**Purpose**: Pre-production validation and client demos

#### 4. Production
**Context**:
- Database: Production database
- APIs: Production endpoints
- Payments: Stripe live mode (real transactions)
- Email: Real customer emails
- Full monitoring and logging

**Purpose**: Live customer-facing application

### Custom Stages

You can define additional stages for specific needs:

#### 5. Preview
**Context**:
- Temporary environment for feature previews
- Isolated database
- Safe for client demonstrations
- Auto-cleanup after N days

**Purpose**: Show new features to clients before staging

#### 6. Demo
**Context**:
- Pre-populated with sample data
- Read-only mode or auto-reset
- Optimized for demonstrations
- No real integrations

**Purpose**: Sales demos, training, showcases

#### 7. QA
**Context**:
- Dedicated QA environment
- Seeded with test scenarios
- Bug tracking integrated
- Separate from staging

**Purpose**: Quality assurance testing

### Stage-Specific Configuration

Each stage can have different settings:

```yaml
stages:
  local:
    database: postgresql://localhost/myapp_dev
    payment_processor:
      stripe:
        mode: test
        api_key: test_key
    email:
      mode: console
    logging:
      level: debug

  staging:
    database: $STAGING_DB_URL
    payment_processor:
      stripe:
        mode: test
        api_key: $STAGING_STRIPE_KEY
    email:
      mode: sendgrid
      provider:
        api_key: $STAGING_SENDGRID_KEY
        to_addresses: test@company.com  # Only send to test emails
    logging:
      level: info

  production:
    database: $PROD_DB_URL
    payment_processor:
      stripe:
        mode: live
        api_key: $PROD_STRIPE_KEY
    email:
      mode: sendgrid
      provider:
        api_key: $PROD_SENDGRID_KEY
    logging:
      level: error
    monitoring:
      enabled: true
      service: datadog
```

### Stage Awareness Throughout the System

**The system knows what stage it's in**:

```typescript
// Generated code knows its context
if (stage === 'production') {
  // Use real payment processor
  await stripe.charges.create({ ... });
} else if (stage === 'local') {
  // Use mock
  console.log('Mock payment processed');
}

// Or better - configuration drives behavior
const paymentService = createPaymentService(config.stages[currentStage]);
```

### Stage Management Commands

```bash
# See current stage
bangstack stage

Current stage: local
Database: postgresql://localhost/myapp_dev
Stripe: test mode

# Deploy to different stage
bangstack deploy staging

Deploying v1.3.0 to staging...
✓ Configuration for staging loaded
✓ Environment variables set
✓ Database migrations run
✓ Tests passed
✓ Application deployed

# Run tests in specific stage context
bangstack test --stage=staging

# Compare stages
bangstack stages diff local staging

Differences:
- Database URL
- Stripe API keys (test vs live)
- Email recipients (console vs real)
- Logging level (debug vs info)
```

### Versioning + Stages Matrix

Each version can be deployed to multiple stages:

```
Version v1.3.0:
  ✓ local (you're developing here)
  ✓ staging (deployed yesterday)
  ✓ production (deployed today)

Version v1.2.0:
  - local (upgraded to v1.3.0)
  ✓ preview (client demo still running)
  - staging (upgraded to v1.3.0)
  - production (upgraded to v1.3.0)
```

### The State of the App

At any moment, you can answer:
- **What version?** v1.3.0
- **What stage?** staging
- **What configuration?** Reviews feature enabled, Stripe test mode
- **What code?** Exact implementation from v1.3.0
- **What data?** Staging database with test records

**Complete state awareness.**

### Benefits

1. **Confidence**: Know exactly what's running where
2. **Safety**: Test in lower stages before production
3. **Debugging**: Reproduce issues in specific stage contexts
4. **Collaboration**: "Check out v1.2.0 in staging" - everyone sees the same thing
5. **Client Demos**: Use preview or demo stages without affecting production
6. **Rollback**: Instant rollback to any version in any stage

**You always know the "state" of the app.**

---

## Scope & Priorities

### Application Types

**Long-term vision**: Any kind of app (web, mobile, desktop, CLI, services, etc.)

**Current focus**: Full-stack web applications
- This is your main experience
- Primary use case for freelance work
- Foundation for expanding to other types

**Flexibility required**: As a new freelancer, you need to be nimble and responsive
- If a client wants mobile or desktop, you'll do it
- Enjoy innovative, "labs" environment
- Willing to experiment (e.g., TypeScript app connecting to Bluetooth devices)

**Strategy**: Start with web apps, expand capabilities based on client needs and experimentation.

### Marketing Approach

**Your context**: Introvert who doesn't enjoy heavy people interaction
- Not interested in being a "personality" or showing face often
- Marketing is not your strong suit

**Marketing through proof**:
- Demo videos showing app creation process
- App creation walkthroughs
- Prove that the process is **quick and painless**
- Let the work speak for itself

**Acceptable channels**:
- Social media (content-focused, not personality-focused)
- Email newsletters
- Demo videos and tutorials
- Case studies and walkthroughs

**Core message**: "Look how fast and complete this app was built" - not "Look at me, the developer"

### Client Interaction Model

**Bangstack serves two purposes**:
1. **Personal tool** - You use it during development
2. **Handoff tool** - Clients use it for maintenance after handoff

**During development**:
- You translate client conversations into requirements
- You use chat to refine and iterate
- You review generated assets before sharing

**Client review process**:
Heavy emphasis on reviewable assets:
- Demo videos
- Design system visuals
- Architecture and system design charts
- Preview/staging sites
- Documentation
- Other shareable artifacts

**Feedback loop**:
1. You provide assets to client
2. Client reviews and gives feedback
3. You translate feedback into chat
4. System updates and generates new version
5. New assets available for review
6. Repeat until approved

**After handoff**:
- Client team has access to chat
- They can make updates themselves
- Or contract you for specific changes
- Complete documentation enables self-service

### First Real Application

**Criteria**:
- Can be built quickly
- Free or very low cost (unless client-paid)
- Tests the three infrastructure pillars:
  - Database
  - Design System
  - API
- Generates full documentation
- Demonstrates the complete system

**Possibilities**:
- Simple e-commerce store (catalog, cart, checkout)
- Task management tool (CRUD operations, user roles)
- Content management system (create/edit/publish)
- Booking/reservation system

**Goal**: Prove the end-to-end workflow works and generates a complete, maintainable app.

### MVP Definition

**Your priority**: "I'm more opinionated that the MVP can successfully create an app from the YAML, and maintain it well."

**MVP scope**:
✓ YAML schemas with validation (event-driven architecture)
✓ Code generators that produce working apps
✓ Generated tests that pass
✓ Generated documentation that's complete
✓ Ability to update YAML and regenerate cleanly

**NOT required for MVP**:
- AI requirements-to-code layer (can come later)
- Conversational interface (manual YAML editing is acceptable)
- Requirements analyzer (you can write YAML yourself initially)

**MVP success criteria**:
1. Write YAML describing an app
2. Run `bang generate`
3. App is created with all layers (DB, API, UI)
4. Tests run and pass
5. Documentation is generated
6. App runs locally
7. Can deploy to staging/production
8. Can modify YAML and regenerate cleanly

**Philosophy**: Get the "YAML → working app" pipeline solid first, then add the "requirements → YAML" layer on top.

---

## Open Questions

None - your vision is clear and we have a concrete path forward.

---

---

## Evolution of Thinking

**Session 1 (2025-10-12)**: Initial vision captured
- Core problem: Lack of connectivity in applications
- Dream: Self-aware, automated app creation from requirements
- Goal: Any app, any language, easy maintenance, no refactors

**Session 1 (continued)**: Three infrastructure pillars identified
- Database, Design System, API are the foundational trinity
- Design systems are undervalued but critical for beautiful UX
- These three must be aware of each other (connectivity across layers)
- Infrastructure planning is essential from the start
