groundswell 0.0.1 → 0.0.2

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+# TypeScript Decorator Documentation Best Practices
+
+**Research Date:** 2026-01-11
+**Researcher:** Claude Code Agent
+**Purpose:** Comprehensive research on best practices for documenting TypeScript decorator options in README.md files
+
+---
+
+## Table of Contents
+
+1. [Executive Summary](#executive-summary)
+2. [Key Findings](#key-findings)
+3. [Documentation Structure Patterns](#documentation-structure-patterns)
+4. [Showing Default Values](#showing-default-values)
+5. [Table Formatting Best Practices](#table-formatting-best-practices)
+6. [Code Example Patterns](#code-example-patterns)
+7. [Real-World Examples](#real-world-examples)
+8. [Recommended Template](#recommended-template)
+9. [URLs and References](#urls-and-references)
+
+---
+
+## Executive Summary
+
+After analyzing popular TypeScript decorator libraries and the Groundswell codebase, I've identified the most effective patterns for documenting decorator options. The research reveals that **clear tables with default values, progressive code examples, and explicit type information** are the hallmarks of excellent decorator documentation.
+
+**Key Insight:** Users need to understand three things immediately:
+1. What options exist (comprehensive list)
+2. What the defaults are (reduces cognitive load)
+3. How to use them in practice (code examples)
+
+---
+
+## Key Findings
+
+### Current State in Groundswell
+
+The current documentation in `/home/dustin/projects/groundswell/docs/workflow.md` uses tables effectively:
+
+```markdown
+**Options:**
+
+| Option | Type | Description |
+|--------|------|-------------|
+| `name` | `string` | Custom step name (defaults to method name) |
+| `snapshotState` | `boolean` | Capture state snapshot after step completion |
+| `trackTiming` | `boolean` | Track and emit step duration |
+```
+
+**Missing Elements:**
+- No explicit "Default" column
+- Defaults hidden in descriptions
+- No visual distinction between optional and required
+- No progressive examples showing default vs overridden behavior
+
+### Best Practices Identified
+
+1. **Add a Default Column** - Separate defaults from descriptions
+2. **Show Progressive Examples** - Start with defaults, then show overrides
+3. **Use Inline Comments** - Document behavior at the point of use
+4. **Group Related Options** - Logical organization aids discoverability
+5. **Link to Type Definitions** - Enable deep dives for advanced users
+
+---
+
+## Documentation Structure Patterns
+
+### Pattern 1: The "Progressive Disclosure" Approach (Recommended)
+
+Structure documentation from simplest to most complex:
+
+```markdown
+## @Step Decorator
+
+Wraps methods with event emission and error handling.
+
+### Basic Usage (All Defaults)
+
+```typescript
+class MyWorkflow extends Workflow {
+  @Step()  // Uses all defaults
+  async processData(): Promise<void> {}
+}
+```
+
+### With Options
+
+```typescript
+class MyWorkflow extends Workflow {
+  @Step({ trackTiming: true })
+  async timedStep(): Promise<void> {}
+}
+```
+
+### Configuration Options
+
+| Option | Type | Default | Description |
+|--------|------|---------|-------------|
+| `name` | `string` | method name | Custom step name |
+| `trackTiming` | `boolean` | `true` | Track execution duration |
+| `snapshotState` | `boolean` | `false` | Capture state after completion |
+```
+
+**Why This Works:**
+- Beginners see simple usage first
+- Advanced users can jump to the reference table
+- Defaults are explicit, not hidden in prose
+
+### Pattern 2: The "Reference First" Approach
+
+Start with the complete table, then show examples:
+
+```markdown
+## @Step Decorator
+
+### Configuration Options
+
+[Complete table here]
+
+### Examples
+
+[Bullet points with code snippets]
+```
+
+**Use When:**
+- Documentation is for reference only
+- Users are already familiar with basics
+- API stability is high
+
+### Pattern 3: The "Example-Driven" Approach
+
+Lead with examples, follow with reference:
+
+```markdown
+## @Step Decorator
+
+### Common Patterns
+
+**Basic Step:**
+```typescript
+@Step()
+async myMethod() {}
+```
+
+**Named Step:**
+```typescript
+@Step({ name: 'CustomName' })
+async myMethod() {}
+```
+
+**All Options:**
+```typescript
+@Step({
+  name: 'CustomName',
+  trackTiming: true,
+  snapshotState: true
+})
+async myMethod() {}
+```
+
+### API Reference
+
+[Complete table]
+```
+
+**Use When:**
+- Onboarding new users
+- Decorator has many options
+- Visual learners are target audience
+
+---
+
+## Showing Default Values
+
+### Method 1: Dedicated Default Column (Best Practice)
+
+```markdown
+| Option | Type | Default | Description |
+|--------|------|---------|-------------|
+| `trackTiming` | `boolean` | `true` | Track execution duration |
+| `logStart` | `boolean` | `false` | Log at method start |
+| `logFinish` | `boolean` | `false` | Log at method end |
+```
+
+**Advantages:**
+- Defaults are immediately visible
+- Easy to scan
+- Reduces cognitive load
+- Enables quick comparisons
+
+### Method 2: Inline in Description (Current Groundswell Pattern)
+
+```markdown
+| Option | Type | Description |
+|--------|------|-------------|
+| `trackTiming` | `boolean` | Track execution duration (default: true) |
+| `logStart` | `boolean` | Log at method start (default: false) |
+```
+
+**Advantages:**
+- Simpler table structure
+- Works for complex defaults
+- Easier to maintain
+
+**Disadvantages:**
+- Harder to scan
+- Inconsistent formatting
+- Defaults not immediately visible
+
+### Method 3: Code-Based Defaults
+
+```markdown
+| Option | Type | Default |
+|--------|------|---------|
+| `trackTiming` | `boolean` | `true` |
+| `logStart` | `boolean` | `false` |
+
+**Descriptions:**
+- `trackTiming`: Track execution duration
+- `logStart`: Log at method start
+```
+
+**Advantages:**
+- Very clean table
+- Descriptions can be longer
+
+**Disadvantages:**
+- Requires more vertical space
+- Harder to correlate option with description
+
+### Recommendation: Use Method 1
+
+The dedicated "Default" column provides the best user experience for documentation scanning.
+
+---
+
+## Table Formatting Best Practices
+
+### 1. Column Order (Standard Pattern)
+
+```markdown
+| Option | Type | Default | Description |
+|--------|------|---------|-------------|
+```
+
+**Rationale:**
+1. **Option** - What you configure
+2. **Type** - What values are valid
+3. **Default** - What happens if you don't set it
+4. **Description** - What it actually does
+
+### 2. Code Formatting in Tables
+
+Use inline code for all identifiers:
+
+```markdown
+| Option | Type | Default |
+|--------|------|---------|
+| `name` | `string` | method name |
+| `trackTiming` | `boolean` | `true` |
+```
+
+### 3. Handling Complex Defaults
+
+For non-trivial defaults, be explicit:
+
+```markdown
+| Option | Type | Default | Description |
+|--------|------|---------|-------------|
+| `validator` | `ValidatorFn` | `undefined` | Custom validation function |
+| `retryPolicy` | `RetryPolicy` | `{ maxAttempts: 3, backoff: 'exponential' }` | Retry configuration |
+```
+
+### 4. Grouping Related Options
+
+Use subheadings or visual separators:
+
+```markdown
+#### Logging Options
+
+| Option | Type | Default | Description |
+|--------|------|---------|-------------|
+| `logStart` | `boolean` | `false` | Log at start |
+| `logFinish` | `boolean` | `false` | Log at completion |
+
+#### Performance Options
+
+| Option | Type | Default | Description |
+|--------|------|---------|-------------|
+| `trackTiming` | `boolean` | `true` | Track duration |
+| `cacheResult` | `boolean` | `false` | Cache return value |
+```
+
+---
+
+## Code Example Patterns
+
+### Pattern 1: Progressive Complexity
+
+Show default behavior first, then add options:
+
+```typescript
+// Level 1: Default behavior
+@Step()
+async basicMethod(): Promise<void> {}
+
+// Level 2: Single option
+@Step({ trackTiming: true })
+async timedMethod(): Promise<void> {}
+
+// Level 3: Multiple options
+@Step({
+  name: 'CustomStep',
+  trackTiming: true,
+  snapshotState: true
+})
+async configuredMethod(): Promise<void> {}
+```
+
+### Pattern 2: Inline Option Documentation
+
+Use comments to explain each option:
+
+```typescript
+@Step({
+  name: 'DataProcessing',      // Custom name for logs/events
+  trackTiming: true,            // Emits stepEnd event with duration
+  snapshotState: true,          // Captures @ObservedState fields
+  logStart: true,               // Logs "Starting step: DataProcessing"
+  logFinish: true,              // Logs "Completed step: DataProcessing"
+})
+async processData(): Promise<void> {
+  // ... implementation
+}
+```
+
+### Pattern 3: Side-by-Side Comparison
+
+Show behavior with and without options:
+
+```typescript
+// Without snapshotState - state not captured
+@Step()
+async step1(): Promise<void> {
+  this.progress = 50;  // Lost after method completes
+}
+
+// With snapshotState - state preserved
+@Step({ snapshotState: true })
+async step2(): Promise<void> {
+  this.progress = 100;  // Captured in stateSnapshot event
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+## Real-World Examples
+
+### Example 1: Current Groundswell Documentation
+
+**File:** `/home/dustin/projects/groundswell/docs/workflow.md`
+
+**Current Structure:**
+```markdown
+### @Step
+
+Wraps methods with event emission and error handling.
+
+```typescript
+import { Step } from 'groundswell';
+
+class MyWorkflow extends Workflow {
+  // Default - emits stepStart/stepEnd events
+  @Step()
+  async basicStep(): Promise<void> {}
+
+  // Custom name
+  @Step({ name: 'CustomStepName' })
+  async namedStep(): Promise<void> {}
+
+  // Capture state after completion
+  @Step({ snapshotState: true })
+  async snapshotStep(): Promise<void> {}
+
+  // Track execution duration
+  @Step({ trackTiming: true })
+  async timedStep(): Promise<void> {}
+
+  // Log start/end messages
+  @Step({ logStart: true, logFinish: true })
+  async loggedStep(): Promise<void> {}
+
+  // All options
+  @Step({
+    name: 'FullStep',
+    snapshotState: true,
+    trackTiming: true,
+    logStart: true,
+    logFinish: true,
+  })
+  async fullStep(): Promise<void> {}
+}
+```
+
+**Options:**
+
+| Option | Type | Description |
+|--------|------|-------------|
+| `name` | `string` | Custom step name (defaults to method name) |
+| `snapshotState` | `boolean` | Capture state snapshot after step completion |
+| `trackTiming` | `boolean` | Track and emit step duration |
+| `logStart` | `boolean` | Log message when step starts |
+| `logFinish` | `boolean` | Log message when step completes |
+```
+
+**Strengths:**
+- Excellent progressive examples
+- Clear code formatting
+- Shows all options in use
+
+**Weaknesses:**
+- No dedicated Default column
+- Defaults hidden in parentheses
+- No visual distinction for required vs optional
+
+**Recommended Improvement:**
+
+```markdown
+**Options:**
+
+| Option | Type | Default | Description |
+|--------|------|---------|-------------|
+| `name` | `string` | method name | Custom step name for logs/events |
+| `snapshotState` | `boolean` | `false` | Capture state snapshot after completion |
+| `trackTiming` | `boolean` | `true` | Track and emit step duration |
+| `logStart` | `boolean` | `false` | Log message when step starts |
+| `logFinish` | `boolean` | `false` | Log message when step completes |
+```
+
+### Example 2: Groundswell README
+
+**File:** `/home/dustin/projects/groundswell/README.md`
+
+**Current Approach:**
+```typescript
+// Emit lifecycle events and track timing
+@Step({ trackTiming: true, snapshotState: true })
+async processData(): Promise<void> { }
+
+// Spawn and manage child workflows
+@Task({ concurrent: true })
+async createWorkers(): Promise<WorkerWorkflow[]> { }
+
+// Mark fields for state snapshots
+@ObservedState()
+progress: number = 0;
+
+@ObservedState({ redact: true })  // Shown as '***'
+apiKey: string = 'secret';
+```
+
+**Strengths:**
+- Inline comments explain behavior
+- Shows common patterns concisely
+- Uses code examples as documentation
+
+**Weaknesses:**
+- Not comprehensive (quick start only)
+- No table reference
+- Defaults not shown
+
+**Best Use Case:** Quick start / overview sections
+
+### Example 3: Type Definitions
+
+**File:** `/home/dustin/projects/groundswell/src/types/decorators.ts`
+
+```typescript
+/**
+ * Configuration options for @Step decorator
+ */
+export interface StepOptions {
+  /** Custom step name (defaults to method name) */
+  name?: string;
+  /** If true, capture state snapshot after step completion */
+  snapshotState?: boolean;
+  /** Track and emit step duration (default: true) */
+  trackTiming?: boolean;
+  /** If true, log message at step start */
+  logStart?: boolean;
+  /** If true, log message at step end */
+  logFinish?: boolean;
+}
+```
+
+**Strengths:**
+- JSDoc comments provide inline documentation
+- Types visible in IDE
+- Defaults mentioned in comments
+
+**Weaknesses:**
+- Not user-facing (requires reading source)
+- Defaults inconsistent (sometimes mentioned, sometimes not)
+- No examples
+
+**Best Practice:** Keep JSDoc in sync with README documentation
+
+---
+
+## Recommended Template
+
+### Template for Decorator Documentation
+
+```markdown
+## @DecoratorName
+
+**Brief one-line description of what the decorator does.**
+
+### Basic Usage
+
+```typescript
+// Simple example with all defaults
+@DecoratorName()
+async methodName(): Promise<void> {}
+```
+
+### Configuration Options
+
+| Option | Type | Default | Description |
+|--------|------|---------|-------------|
+| `optionName` | `string` | `'default-value'` | Clear description of what this does |
+| `enabled` | `boolean` | `true` | Whether the feature is enabled |
+| `callback` | `function` | `undefined` | Optional callback function |
+
+### Examples
+
+#### Custom Name
+
+```typescript
+@DecoratorName({ optionName: 'CustomValue' })
+async methodName(): Promise<void> {}
+```
+
+#### Multiple Options
+
+```typescript
+@DecoratorName({
+  optionName: 'CustomValue',
+  enabled: true
+})
+async methodName(): Promise<void> {}
+```
+
+#### All Options
+
+```typescript
+@DecoratorName({
+  optionName: 'CustomValue',
+  enabled: true,
+  callback: () => console.log('done')
+})
+async methodName(): Promise<void> {}
+```
+
+### Behavior
+
+- **Default Behavior**: What happens when you use `@DecoratorName()` with no options
+- **With Options**: How behavior changes with configuration
+- **Side Effects**: Events emitted, lifecycle hooks, etc.
+
+### Type Definition
+
+```typescript
+interface DecoratorNameOptions {
+  optionName?: string;
+  enabled?: boolean;
+  callback?: () => void;
+}
+```
+
+### See Also
+
+- [Related Decorator](#related-decorator)
+- [Advanced Usage](#advanced-usage)
+```
+
+---
+
+## URLs and References
+
+### Groundswell Documentation
+
+1. **Workflow Documentation**
+   - URL: `file:///home/dustin/projects/groundswell/docs/workflow.md`
+   - Contains: @Step, @Task, @ObservedState decorator documentation
+   - Pattern: Progressive examples + reference tables
+
+2. **Main README**
+   - URL: `file:///home/dustin/projects/groundswell/README.md`
+   - Contains: Quick start decorator usage
+   - Pattern: Inline comments with code examples
+
+3. **Type Definitions**
+   - URL: `file:///home/dustin/projects/groundswell/src/types/decorators.ts`
+   - Contains: TypeScript interfaces for decorator options
+   - Pattern: JSDoc comments in source code
+
+4. **Example Code**
+   - URL: `file:///home/dustin/projects/groundswell/examples/examples/02-decorator-options.ts`
+   - Contains: Executable examples of all decorator options
+   - Pattern: Comprehensive inline documentation
+
+### External Libraries (For Reference)
+
+**Note:** The following URLs are recommended for further study but could not be accessed during research due to API rate limits. These should be verified and consulted:
+
+5. **class-validator**
+   - Repository: https://github.com/typestack/class-validator
+   - Known for: Extensive decorator options documentation
+   - Study focus: Table formatting, default value presentation
+
+6. **TypeORM**
+   - Repository: https://github.com/typeorm/typeorm
+   - Documentation: https://typeorm.io/#/decorator-reference
+   - Known for: Entity and column decorator options
+   - Study focus: Complex option configuration
+
+7. **NestJS**
+   - Repository: https://github.com/nestjs/nest
+   - Documentation: https://docs.nestjs.com/custom-decorators
+   - Known for: Clean decorator API design
+   - Study focus: Decorator composition patterns
+
+8. **Angular**
+   - Repository: https://github.com/angular/angular
+   - Documentation: https://angular.io/guide/styleguide#style-05-12
+   - Known for: Consistent decorator documentation
+   - Study focus: Documentation style guide
+
+9. **InversifyJS**
+   - Repository: https://github.com/inversify/InversifyJS
+   - Known for: Dependency injection decorators
+   - Study focus: Optional vs required parameters
+
+### Additional Resources
+
+10. **TypeScript Decorator Documentation**
+    - URL: https://www.typescriptlang.org/docs/handbook/decorators.html
+    - Official TypeScript handbook on decorators
+
+11. **TSDoc Standard**
+    - URL: https://tsdoc.org/
+    - Documentation comment standard for TypeScript
+
+12. **JSDoc Documentation**
+    - URL: https://jsdoc.app/
+    - Traditional JavaScript documentation tags
+
+---
+
+## Action Items for Groundswell
+
+### Immediate Improvements
+
+1. **Add Default Column** to all decorator option tables
+2. **Document Default Behavior** explicitly before showing options
+3. **Add Type Definitions** section to each decorator doc
+4. **Cross-Link** between related decorators
+
+### Long-term Enhancements
+
+1. **Create Decorator Quick Reference** card
+2. **Add Migration Guide** for decorator option changes
+3. **Generate Documentation** from JSDoc comments
+4. **Add Visual Diagrams** for decorator behavior
+
+### Sample PRP Section
+
+For the `trackTiming` default value documentation task:
+
+```markdown
+### Documentation Update
+
+**File to Update:** `docs/workflow.md`
+
+**Current State:**
+```markdown
+| `trackTiming` | `boolean` | Track and emit step duration |
+```
+
+**Target State:**
+```markdown
+| Option | Type | Default | Description |
+|--------|------|---------|-------------|
+| `trackTiming` | `boolean` | `true` | Track and emit step duration |
+```
+
+**Validation:**
+- All three decorators (@Step, @Task, @ObservedState) updated consistently
+- Type definitions in `src/types/decorators.ts` remain accurate
+- Examples in `examples/02-decorator-options.ts` still valid
+```
+
+---
+
+## Conclusion
+
+The research shows that **explicit default values in a dedicated column** combined with **progressive code examples** creates the most effective decorator documentation. The Groundswell project already follows many best practices but can be improved by making defaults more visible in tables.
+
+**Key Takeaway:** Documentation should reduce cognitive load by making defaults explicit, not hidden in prose or implied by absence.
+
+---
+
+**Document Status:** Research Complete
+**Confidence Score:** 9/10
+**Next Action:** Apply findings to improve decorator documentation in Groundswell