chkpt v1 — Specification

The v1 specification defines the deterministic execution substrate used to apply certified workflows exactly as authorised. It establishes the conceptual foundations, structural requirements, execution model, evidence obligations, governance controls, applicability boundaries, and versioning rules that ensure every execution remains predictable, reviewable, and aligned with institutional governance.

1. Introduction

Introduces chkpt as a neutral, deterministic execution substrate. Defines its institutional role, scope, and responsibilities, including admissible behaviour enforcement and evidence generation for certified workflows.

2. Conceptual Model

Establishes the core concepts of chkpt: certified workflows, Applications, declared inputs and results, admissible behaviour, execution versions, and the principles that ensure deterministic and reviewable execution.

3. Structural Model

Defines the structural composition of an Application under chkpt. Specifies the required elements for deterministic execution and institutional review, without prescribing formats or implementation details.

4. Execution Model

Describes how chkpt applies certified workflows. Defines determinism, execution boundaries, admissible behaviour, intermediate state validity, drift prevention, and the conditions under which an execution is recognised under this specification.

5. Workflow Certification Context

Clarifies chkpt’s relationship to externally certified workflows. Defines workflow version binding, authenticity verification, and the execution‑side guarantees required by the adopting organisation’s governance model.

6. Evidence Model

Defines the evidence obligations for certified workflow execution. Establishes minimum evidence requirements, integrity guarantees, intermediate state evidence rules, and the association of evidence with workflow and execution versions.

7. Governance Controls

Defines the execution‑side governance controls that ensure stability, prevent drift, and maintain alignment with authorised workflow versions. Covers version alignment, change control, execution environment requirements, and institutional responsibilities.

8. Applicability

Identifies the institutional and operational contexts in which chkpt is intended to operate. Clarifies the domain‑independent nature of the execution substrate and the role of workflow extensions in supporting sector‑specific requirements.

9. Versioning

Defines the versioning model for chkpt. Establishes compatibility expectations, forward‑compatibility guarantees, and the principles governing future extensions of the execution substrate.