Base120 · Systems
Protocol/
Specify rules for interaction enabling coordination without central control
When to use
"Use when independent agents need to coordinate without central control. Specify protocols — the rules of interaction that enable coordination. Good protocols enable coordination; bad protocols prevent it."
Example
"HTTP is a protocol that enables millions of independent web servers and clients to coordinate. No central authority controls the interactions; the protocol specifies the rules, and coordination emerges from adherence."
Common misuse
"Protocols that are too rigid (cannot adapt to new use cases) or too loose (allow incompatible interpretations). A good protocol specifies enough to enable coordination and little more."