Before changing any backend code under `api/`, you MUST read the surrounding docstrings and comments. These notes contain required context (invariants, edge cases, trade-offs) and are treated as part of the spec.
Look for:
- The module (file) docstring at the top of a source code file
- Docstrings on classes and functions/methods
- Paragraph/block comments for non-obvious logic
### What to write where
- Keep notes scoped: module notes cover module-wide context, class notes cover class-wide context, function/method notes cover behavioural contracts, and paragraph/block comments cover local “why”. Avoid duplicating the same content across scopes unless repetition prevents misuse.
- **Module (file) docstring**: purpose, boundaries, key invariants, and “gotchas” that a new reader must know before editing.
- Include cross-links to the key collaborators (modules/services) when discovery is otherwise hard.
- Document arguments, return shape, side effects (DB writes, external I/O, task dispatch), and raised domain exceptions.
- Add examples only when they prevent misuse.
- **Paragraph/block comments**: explain *why* (trade-offs, historical constraints, surprising edge cases), not what the code already states.
- Keep comments adjacent to the logic they justify; delete or rewrite comments that no longer match reality.
### Rules (must follow)
In this section, “notes” means module/class/function docstrings plus any relevant paragraph/block comments.
- **Before working**
- Read the notes in the area you’ll touch; treat them as part of the spec.
- If a docstring or comment conflicts with the current code, treat the **code as the single source of truth** and update the docstring or comment to match reality.
- If important intent/invariants/edge cases are missing, add them in the closest docstring or comment (module for overall scope, function for behaviour).
- **During working**
- Keep the notes in sync as you discover constraints, make decisions, or change approach.
- If you move/rename responsibilities across modules/classes, update the affected docstrings and comments so readers can still find the “why” and the invariants.
- Record non-obvious edge cases, trade-offs, and the test/verification plan in the nearest docstring or comment that will stay correct.
- Keep the notes **coherent**: integrate new findings into the relevant docstrings and comments; avoid append-only “recent fix” / changelog-style additions.
- **When finishing**
- Update the notes to reflect what changed, why, and any new edge cases/tests.
- Remove or rewrite any comments that could be mistaken as current guidance but no longer apply.
- Keep docstrings and comments concise and accurate; they are meant to prevent repeated rediscovery.
- For classes, declare all member variables explicitly with types at the top of the class body (before `__init__`), even when the class is not a dataclass or Pydantic model, so the class shape is obvious at a glance: