# Contributing

Fallout 4 Together is currently in the research and prototype stage.

At this stage, contributions should focus on documentation, research, setup notes, tooling experiments, and small isolated prototypes.

## Current Contribution Areas

Useful contributions include:

- F4SE setup notes
- CommonLibF4 setup notes
- Creation Kit test cell documentation
- Fallout 4 actor sync research
- Network packet design
- Server architecture experiments
- Safe testing workflows
- Crash reports from controlled test builds

## Scope

Please keep contributions focused on the first prototype goal:

> Two Fallout 4 clients in a controlled test environment, with each player visible as a synced remote actor.

Avoid adding large systems before the core prototype works.

Out of scope for early development:

- Full campaign co-op
- Quest sync
- Settlement sync
- Public matchmaking
- Anti-cheat
- Large modlist support
- MMO-style gameplay

## Legal Requirements

Do not contribute:

- Fallout 4 executable files
- Bethesda game assets
- Bethesda archives
- DLC files
- F4SE binaries
- Proprietary game code
- Decompiled Bethesda scripts
- Other mods' files without permission

Only contribute files that you have the right to share.

## Recommended Workflow

1. Open an issue describing the problem or idea.
2. Keep changes small and focused.
3. Document what was tested.
4. Use a clean Fallout 4 test profile when testing.
5. Avoid testing with large modlists.

## Commit Style

Suggested commit prefixes:

```text
docs: update setup notes
research: add actor sync notes
plugin: add basic plugin skeleton
server: add connection prototype
ck: document test cell plan
protocol: define transform packet
```