# SW-T03: Step contract

Adrian Sutherland · Version 1.0 · Refreshed September 2026

© 2005–2026 Adrian Sutherland.
Source page: https://architectureportal.org/assets/software-logic

Map relevant questions into existing records; identify open decisions.

## Purpose and authority

What may the step propose, decide or do?

## Input contract

Identify permitted sources, versions, required fields and treatment of gaps.

## Output contract

Which record passes to the next step, with what status and references?

## Checks and acceptance

Distinguish checks of structure and source meaning from the authorised person’s acceptance.

## Failure and change

Specify timeouts, retries, stale context, versions and support.

## Evaluation

List representative failures and record actual results.