# Decision Log

This file records architectural and implementation decisions using a list format.
2025-03-25 10:40:00 - Updated with registration and authentication decisions

## Core Architectural Decisions

### Registration and Authentication Architecture
* **Decision**: Implement custom registration and authentication system
* **Rationale**: Need fine-grained control over user registration process and role management
* **Implementation Details**:
  * Custom database table for trainer profiles
  * Client and server-side validation
  * Automated venue creation integration
  * Email notification system
  * Role-based access control
  * Security measures following WordPress best practices

### SSL Configuration for Development
* **Decision**: Implement SSL support with self-signed certificates
* **Rationale**: Enable secure HTTPS development environment matching production
* **Implementation Details**:
  * Self-signed certificates for localhost
  * Nginx SSL configuration with modern security settings
  * Automated setup script for consistent configuration
  * SSL port 8443 for development access

### Custom Role Architecture
* **Decision**: Implement hvac_trainer custom WordPress role
* **Rationale**: Provide specific capabilities while restricting administrative access
* **Implementation Details**:
  * Role name: hvac_trainer
  * Custom capabilities for HVAC-specific features
  * Integration with The Events Calendar capabilities
  * Automatic role management through plugin lifecycle
  * Strict security boundaries

### Integration-First Development Approach
* **Decision**: Maximize use of existing WordPress and The Events Calendar functionality
* **Rationale**: Leverage proven solutions, reduce custom code, ensure maintainability
* **Implementation Details**:
  * Use WordPress core features whenever possible
  * Extend The Events Calendar functionality rather than rebuild
  * Custom development only when necessary
  * Maintain plugin upgrade compatibility

### Project Restart Decision
* **Decision**: Restart project with fresh codebase
* **Rationale**: Clean implementation of requirements with modern best practices
* **Implementation Details**: 
  * Fresh repository setup
  * New development environment configuration
  * Modern testing framework implementation
  * Phased feature implementation approach

## Development Environment Decisions

### Docker-based Development Environment
* **Decision**: Implement containerized development environment using Docker
* **Rationale**: Ensure consistent development experience and match production environment
* **Implementation Details**:
  * WordPress (PHP 8.1-FPM)
  * MariaDB
  * phpMyAdmin
  * Nginx with SSL support
  * Environment management scripts

### Testing Framework Architecture
* **Decision**: Implement comprehensive testing framework with Playwright
* **Rationale**: Modern features, better reliability, cross-browser support
* **Implementation Details**: 
  * Unit tests for business logic
  * Integration tests for WordPress functionality
  * E2E tests for user journeys
  * Cross-browser testing support
  * Mobile device emulation

### Development Tooling
* **Decision**: Create suite of management scripts
* **Rationale**: Streamline development workflow and ensure consistency
* **Implementation Details**:
  * Environment setup and verification
  * Production data synchronization
  * Database management
  * Test execution and reporting
  * SSL configuration

### Deployment Strategy
* **Decision**: Implement configuration-based deployment process
* **Rationale**: Support different environments with consistent deployment
* **Implementation Details**:
  * Environment-specific configurations
  * Pre-deployment verification
  * Automated testing integration
  * Rollback procedures
  * Security measures

### Security Architecture
* **Decision**: Implement comprehensive security measures
* **Rationale**: Protect sensitive data and ensure secure operations
* **Implementation Details**:
  * Environment variable-based configuration
  * SSL support for development
  * Secure credential management
  * Access control implementation
  * Security monitoring

2025-03-25 10:40:00 - Added registration and authentication architecture decisions