# Decision Log

This file records architectural and implementation decisions using a list format.
2025-03-26 11:11:00 - Updated with development environment workflow decisions

## Core Architectural Decisions

### Development Environment Configuration
* **Decision**: Implement Docker-based development environment with PHP-FPM
* **Rationale**: Better performance, control, and similarity to production
* **Implementation Details**:
  * WordPress with PHP 8.1-FPM
  * Nginx as web server
  * MariaDB for database
  * Custom PHP-FPM configuration
  * Development-specific WordPress settings

### Development Environment Workflow
* **Decision**: Implement backup-based workflow for development environment setup
* **Rationale**: More reliable, faster setup, offline support, and consistent environments
* **Implementation Details**:
  * Create backups from production using sync-production.sh
  * Set up environment from backups using setup-from-backup.sh
  * Standardized script naming and organization
  * Comprehensive documentation and migration guide
  * Improved error handling and verification

### WordPress Configuration Strategy
* **Decision**: Use environment variables and wp-config.php overrides
* **Rationale**: Maintain security and flexibility across environments
* **Implementation Details**:
  * Environment-based configuration
  * Debug mode in development
  * Custom site URL handling
  * SSL configuration options
  * Security settings management

### Database Management
* **Decision**: Use MariaDB with custom configuration
* **Rationale**: Better performance and compatibility
* **Implementation Details**:
  * Custom character set and collation
  * Optimized buffer settings
  * Development-specific permissions
  * Backup and restore capabilities
  * Data synchronization tools

### Version Control Strategy
* **Decision**: Implement Git-based version control with GitHub hosting
* **Rationale**: Enable collaborative development, code review, and version tracking
* **Implementation Details**:
  * Git repository with main branch
  * GitHub remote for collaboration
  * .gitignore to exclude environment-specific files
  * Structured commit messages
  * Clean repository history

### 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**: Disable SSL requirement in development
* **Rationale**: Simplify local development while maintaining production security
* **Implementation Details**:
  * Configurable SSL settings
  * Environment-specific SSL handling
  * Production-ready SSL configuration
  * Secure cookie handling
  * HTTPS redirection management

### 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

2025-03-26 11:11:00 - Added development environment workflow decisions