G1: Single Source of Truth
Single Source of Truth (SSOT) originates from information systems architecture, where every data element is mastered and edited in only one place. All other systems that need the data should reference this source rather than maintaining their own copy. This practice ensures data consistency and integrity.
A common problem in software development teams is siloed data: requirements in Confluence, designs in Figma, implementation details in code comments, each updated independently. When these sources diverge, nobody knows which version is correct. When AI agents receive contradictory information from multiple sources, output quality degrades.
Principle
- All roles MUST adhere to the Single Source of Truth principle.
Every piece of information should have exactly one authoritative source. When multiple systems need the same data, they reference the source rather than maintaining copies. This eliminates synchronization issues and ensures everyone works from the same truth.
- Any modification SHOULD trace back to upstream specifications.
Modifying implementation without updating the spec is a violation, not a shortcut. Everyone is responsible for maintaining the content they produce. When you change code, update the spec. When you change the spec, ensure downstream artifacts reflect the change.