# Multi-Repository Strategy Analysis\n\n**Date:** 2025-10-01\n**Status:** Strategic Analysis\n**Related:** [Repository Distribution Analysis](repo-dist-analysis.md)\n\n## Executive Summary\n\nThis document analyzes a **multi-repository strategy** as an alternative to the monorepo approach. After careful consideration of the provisioning\nsystem's architecture, a **hybrid approach with 4 core repositories** is recommended, avoiding submodules in favor of a cleaner package-based\ndependency model.\n\n---\n\n## Repository Architecture Options\n\n### Option A: Pure Monorepo (Original Recommendation)\n\n**Single repository:** `provisioning`\n\n**Pros:**\n\n- Simplest development workflow\n- Atomic cross-component changes\n- Single version number\n- One CI/CD pipeline\n\n**Cons:**\n\n- Large repository size\n- Mixed language tooling (Rust + Nushell)\n- All-or-nothing updates\n- Unclear ownership boundaries\n\n### Option B: Multi-Repo with Submodules (❌ Not Recommended)\n\n**Repositories:**\n\n- `provisioning-core` (main, contains submodules)\n- `provisioning-platform` (submodule)\n- `provisioning-extensions` (submodule)\n- `provisioning-workspace` (submodule)\n\n**Why Not Recommended:**\n\n- Submodule hell: complex, error-prone workflows\n- Detached HEAD issues\n- Update synchronization nightmares\n- Clone complexity for users\n- Difficult to maintain version compatibility\n- Poor developer experience\n\n### Option C: Multi-Repo with Package Dependencies (✅ RECOMMENDED)\n\n**Independent repositories with package-based integration:**\n\n- `provisioning-core` - Nushell libraries and Nickel schemas\n- `provisioning-platform` - Rust services (orchestrator, control-center, MCP)\n- `provisioning-extensions` - Extension marketplace/catalog\n- `provisioning-workspace` - Project templates and examples\n- `provisioning-distribution` - Release automation and packaging\n\n**Why Recommended:**\n\n- Clean separation of concerns\n- Independent versioning and release cycles\n- Language-specific tooling and workflows\n- Clear ownership boundaries\n- Package-based dependencies (no submodules)\n- Easier community contributions\n\n---\n\n## Recommended Multi-Repo Architecture\n\n### Repository 1: `provisioning-core`\n\n**Purpose:** Core Nushell infrastructure automation engine\n\n**Contents:**\n\n```\nprovisioning-core/\n├── nulib/                   # Nushell libraries\n│   ├── lib_provisioning/    # Core library functions\n│   ├── servers/             # Server management\n│   ├── taskservs/           # Task service management\n│   ├── clusters/            # Cluster management\n│   └── workflows/           # Workflow orchestration\n├── cli/                     # CLI entry point\n│   └── provisioning         # Pure Nushell CLI\n├── schemas/                 # Nickel schemas\n│   ├── main.ncl\n│   ├── settings.ncl\n│   ├── server.ncl\n│   ├── cluster.ncl\n│   └── workflows.ncl\n├── config/                  # Default configurations\n│   └── config.defaults.toml\n├── templates/               # Core templates\n├── tools/                   # Build and packaging tools\n├── tests/                   # Core tests\n├── docs/                    # Core documentation\n├── LICENSE\n├── README.md\n├── CHANGELOG.md\n└── version.toml             # Core version file\n```\n\n**Technology:** Nushell, Nickel\n**Primary Language:** Nushell\n**Release Frequency:** Monthly (stable)\n**Ownership:** Core team\n**Dependencies:** None (foundation)\n\n**Package Output:**\n\n- `provisioning-core-{version}.tar.gz` - Installable package\n- Published to package registry\n\n**Installation Path:**\n\n```\n/usr/local/\n├── bin/provisioning\n├── lib/provisioning/\n└── share/provisioning/\n```\n\n---\n\n### Repository 2: `provisioning-platform`\n\n**Purpose:** High-performance Rust platform services\n\n**Contents:**\n\n```\nprovisioning-platform/\n├── orchestrator/            # Rust orchestrator\n│   ├── src/\n│   ├── tests/\n│   ├── benches/\n│   └── Cargo.toml\n├── control-center/          # Web control center (Leptos)\n│   ├── src/\n│   ├── tests/\n│   └── Cargo.toml\n├── mcp-server/              # Model Context Protocol server\n│   ├── src/\n│   ├── tests/\n│   └── Cargo.toml\n├── api-gateway/             # REST API gateway\n│   ├── src/\n│   ├── tests/\n│   └── Cargo.toml\n├── shared/                  # Shared Rust libraries\n│   ├── types/\n│   └── utils/\n├── docs/                    # Platform documentation\n├── Cargo.toml               # Workspace root\n├── Cargo.lock\n├── LICENSE\n├── README.md\n└── CHANGELOG.md\n```\n\n**Technology:** Rust, WebAssembly\n**Primary Language:** Rust\n**Release Frequency:** Bi-weekly (fast iteration)\n**Ownership:** Platform team\n**Dependencies:**\n\n- `provisioning-core` (runtime integration, loose coupling)\n\n**Package Output:**\n\n- `provisioning-platform-{version}.tar.gz` - Binaries\n- Binaries for: Linux (x86_64, arm64), macOS (x86_64, arm64)\n\n**Installation Path:**\n\n```\n/usr/local/\n├── bin/\n│   ├── provisioning-orchestrator\n│   └── provisioning-control-center\n└── share/provisioning/platform/\n```\n\n**Integration with Core:**\n\n- Platform services call `provisioning` CLI via subprocess\n- No direct code dependencies\n- Communication via REST API and file-based queues\n- Core and Platform can be deployed independently\n\n---\n\n### Repository 3: `provisioning-extensions`\n\n**Purpose:** Extension marketplace and community modules\n\n**Contents:**\n\n```\nprovisioning-extensions/\n├── registry/                # Extension registry\n│   ├── index.json          # Searchable index\n│   └── catalog/            # Extension metadata\n├── providers/               # Additional cloud providers\n│   ├── azure/\n│   ├── gcp/\n│   ├── digitalocean/\n│   └── hetzner/\n├── taskservs/               # Community task services\n│   ├── databases/\n│   │   ├── mongodb/\n│   │   ├── redis/\n│   │   └── cassandra/\n│   ├── development/\n│   │   ├── gitlab/\n│   │   ├── jenkins/\n│   │   └── sonarqube/\n│   └── observability/\n│       ├── prometheus/\n│       ├── grafana/\n│       └── loki/\n├── clusters/                # Cluster templates\n│   ├── ml-platform/\n│   ├── data-pipeline/\n│   └── gaming-backend/\n├── workflows/               # Workflow templates\n├── tools/                   # Extension development tools\n├── docs/                    # Extension development guide\n├── LICENSE\n└── README.md\n```\n\n**Technology:** Nushell, Nickel\n**Primary Language:** Nushell\n**Release Frequency:** Continuous (per-extension)\n**Ownership:** Community + Core team\n**Dependencies:**\n\n- `provisioning-core` (extends core functionality)\n\n**Package Output:**\n\n- Individual extension packages: `provisioning-ext-{name}-{version}.tar.gz`\n- Registry index for discovery\n\n**Installation:**\n\n```\n# Install extension via core CLI\nprovisioning extension install mongodb\nprovisioning extension install azure-provider\n```\n\n**Extension Structure:**\nEach extension is self-contained:\n\n```\nmongodb/\n├── manifest.toml           # Extension metadata\n├── taskserv.nu             # Implementation\n├── templates/              # Templates\n├── schemas/                # Nickel schemas\n├── tests/                  # Tests\n└── README.md\n```\n\n---\n\n### Repository 4: `provisioning-workspace`\n\n**Purpose:** Project templates and starter kits\n\n**Contents:**\n\n```\nprovisioning-workspace/\n├── templates/               # Workspace templates\n│   ├── minimal/            # Minimal starter\n│   ├── kubernetes/         # Full K8s cluster\n│   ├── multi-cloud/        # Multi-cloud setup\n│   ├── microservices/      # Microservices platform\n│   ├── data-platform/      # Data engineering\n│   └── ml-ops/             # MLOps platform\n├── examples/               # Complete examples\n│   ├── blog-deployment/\n│   ├── e-commerce/\n│   └── saas-platform/\n├── blueprints/             # Architecture blueprints\n├── docs/                   # Template documentation\n├── tools/                  # Template scaffolding\n│   └── create-workspace.nu\n├── LICENSE\n└── README.md\n```\n\n**Technology:** Configuration files, Nickel\n**Primary Language:** TOML, Nickel, YAML\n**Release Frequency:** Quarterly (stable templates)\n**Ownership:** Community + Documentation team\n**Dependencies:**\n\n- `provisioning-core` (templates use core)\n- `provisioning-extensions` (may reference extensions)\n\n**Package Output:**\n\n- `provisioning-templates-{version}.tar.gz`\n\n**Usage:**\n\n```\n# Create workspace from template\nprovisioning workspace init my-project --template kubernetes\n\n# Or use separate tool\ngh repo create my-project --template provisioning-workspace\ncd my-project\nprovisioning workspace init\n```\n\n---\n\n### Repository 5: `provisioning-distribution`\n\n**Purpose:** Release automation, packaging, and distribution infrastructure\n\n**Contents:**\n\n```\nprovisioning-distribution/\n├── release-automation/      # Automated release workflows\n│   ├── build-all.nu        # Build all packages\n│   ├── publish.nu          # Publish to registries\n│   └── validate.nu         # Validation suite\n├── installers/             # Installation scripts\n│   ├── install.nu          # Nushell installer\n│   ├── install.sh          # Bash installer\n│   └── install.ps1         # PowerShell installer\n├── packaging/              # Package builders\n│   ├── core/\n│   ├── platform/\n│   └── extensions/\n├── registry/               # Package registry backend\n│   ├── api/               # Registry REST API\n│   └── storage/           # Package storage\n├── ci-cd/                  # CI/CD configurations\n│   ├── github/            # GitHub Actions\n│   ├── gitlab/            # GitLab CI\n│   └── jenkins/           # Jenkins pipelines\n├── version-management/     # Cross-repo version coordination\n│   ├── versions.toml      # Version matrix\n│   └── compatibility.toml  # Compatibility matrix\n├── docs/                   # Distribution documentation\n│   ├── release-process.md\n│   └── packaging-guide.md\n├── LICENSE\n└── README.md\n```\n\n**Technology:** Nushell, Bash, CI/CD\n**Primary Language:** Nushell, YAML\n**Release Frequency:** As needed\n**Ownership:** Release engineering team\n**Dependencies:** All repositories (orchestrates releases)\n\n**Responsibilities:**\n\n- Build packages from all repositories\n- Coordinate multi-repo releases\n- Publish to package registries\n- Manage version compatibility\n- Generate release notes\n- Host package registry\n\n---\n\n## Dependency and Integration Model\n\n### Package-Based Dependencies (Not Submodules)\n\n```\n┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐\n│                  provisioning-distribution                   │\n│              (Release orchestration & registry)              │\n└──────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────┘\n                           │ publishes packages\n                           ↓\n                    ┌──────────────┐\n                    │   Registry   │\n                    └──────┬───────┘\n                           │\n        ┌──────────────────┼──────────────────┐\n        ↓                  ↓                  ↓\n┌───────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐  ┌──────────────┐\n│  provisioning │  │ provisioning │  │ provisioning │\n│     -core     │  │  -platform   │  │  -extensions │\n└───────┬───────┘  └──────┬───────┘  └──────┬───────┘\n        │                 │                  │\n        │                 │ depends on       │ extends\n        │                 └─────────┐        │\n        │                           ↓        │\n        └───────────────────────────────────→┘\n                    runtime integration\n```\n\n### Integration Mechanisms\n\n#### 1. **Core ↔ Platform Integration**\n\n**Method:** Loose coupling via CLI + REST API\n\n```\n# Platform calls Core CLI (subprocess)\ndef create-server [name: string] {\n    # Orchestrator executes Core CLI\n    ^provisioning server create $name --infra production\n}\n\n# Core calls Platform API (HTTP)\ndef submit-workflow [workflow: record] {\n    http post http://localhost:9090/workflows/submit $workflow\n}\n```\n\n**Version Compatibility:**\n\n```\n# platform/Cargo.toml\n[package.metadata.provisioning]\ncore-version = "^3.0"  # Compatible with core 3.x\n```\n\n#### 2. **Core ↔ Extensions Integration**\n\n**Method:** Plugin/module system\n\n```\n# Extension manifest\n# extensions/mongodb/manifest.toml\n[extension]\nname = "mongodb"\nversion = "1.0.0"\ntype = "taskserv"\ncore-version = "^3.0"\n\n[dependencies]\nprovisioning-core = "^3.0"\n\n# Extension installation\n# Core downloads and validates extension\nprovisioning extension install mongodb\n# → Downloads from registry\n# → Validates compatibility\n# → Installs to ~/.provisioning/extensions/mongodb\n```\n\n#### 3. **Workspace Templates**\n\n**Method:** Git templates or package templates\n\n```\n# Option 1: GitHub template repository\ngh repo create my-infra --template provisioning-workspace\ncd my-infra\nprovisioning workspace init\n\n# Option 2: Template package\nprovisioning workspace create my-infra --template kubernetes\n# → Downloads template package\n# → Scaffolds workspace\n# → Initializes configuration\n```\n\n---\n\n## Version Management Strategy\n\n### Semantic Versioning Per Repository\n\nEach repository maintains independent semantic versioning:\n\n```\nprovisioning-core:       3.2.1\nprovisioning-platform:   2.5.3\nprovisioning-extensions: (per-extension versioning)\nprovisioning-workspace:  1.4.0\n```\n\n### Compatibility Matrix\n\n**`provisioning-distribution/version-management/versions.toml`:**\n\n```\n# Version compatibility matrix\n[compatibility]\n\n# Core versions and compatible platform versions\n[compatibility.core]\n"3.2.1" = { platform = "^2.5", extensions = "^1.0", workspace = "^1.0" }\n"3.2.0" = { platform = "^2.4", extensions = "^1.0", workspace = "^1.0" }\n"3.1.0" = { platform = "^2.3", extensions = "^0.9", workspace = "^1.0" }\n\n# Platform versions and compatible core versions\n[compatibility.platform]\n"2.5.3" = { core = "^3.2", min-core = "3.2.0" }\n"2.5.0" = { core = "^3.1", min-core = "3.1.0" }\n\n# Release bundles (tested combinations)\n[bundles]\n\n[bundles.stable-3.2]\nname = "Stable 3.2 Bundle"\nrelease-date = "2025-10-15"\ncore = "3.2.1"\nplatform = "2.5.3"\nextensions = ["mongodb@1.2.0", "redis@1.1.0", "azure@2.0.0"]\nworkspace = "1.4.0"\n\n[bundles.lts-3.1]\nname = "LTS 3.1 Bundle"\nrelease-date = "2025-09-01"\nlts-until = "2026-09-01"\ncore = "3.1.5"\nplatform = "2.4.8"\nworkspace = "1.3.0"\n```\n\n### Release Coordination\n\n**Coordinated releases** for major versions:\n\n```\n# Major release: All repos release together\nprovisioning-core:     3.0.0\nprovisioning-platform: 2.0.0\nprovisioning-workspace: 1.0.0\n\n# Minor/patch releases: Independent\nprovisioning-core:     3.1.0 (adds features, platform stays 2.0.x)\nprovisioning-platform: 2.1.0 (improves orchestrator, core stays 3.1.x)\n```\n\n---\n\n## Development Workflow\n\n### Working on Single Repository\n\n```\n# Developer working on core only\ngit clone https://github.com/yourorg/provisioning-core\ncd provisioning-core\n\n# Install dependencies\njust install-deps\n\n# Development\njust dev-check\njust test\n\n# Build package\njust build\n\n# Test installation locally\njust install-dev\n```\n\n### Working Across Repositories\n\n```\n# Scenario: Adding new feature requiring core + platform changes\n\n# 1. Clone both repositories\ngit clone https://github.com/yourorg/provisioning-core\ngit clone https://github.com/yourorg/provisioning-platform\n\n# 2. Create feature branches\ncd provisioning-core\ngit checkout -b feat/batch-workflow-v2\n\ncd ../provisioning-platform\ngit checkout -b feat/batch-workflow-v2\n\n# 3. Develop with local linking\ncd provisioning-core\njust install-dev  # Installs to /usr/local/bin/provisioning\n\ncd ../provisioning-platform\n# Platform uses system provisioning CLI (local dev version)\ncargo run\n\n# 4. Test integration\ncd ../provisioning-core\njust test-integration\n\ncd ../provisioning-platform\ncargo test\n\n# 5. Create PRs in both repositories\n# PR #123 in provisioning-core\n# PR #456 in provisioning-platform (references core PR)\n\n# 6. Coordinate merge\n# Merge core PR first, cut release 3.3.0\n# Update platform dependency to core 3.3.0\n# Merge platform PR, cut release 2.6.0\n```\n\n### Testing Cross-Repo Integration\n\n```\n# Integration tests in provisioning-distribution\ncd provisioning-distribution\n\n# Test specific version combination\njust test-integration \\n    --core 3.3.0 \\n    --platform 2.6.0\n\n# Test bundle\njust test-bundle stable-3.3\n```\n\n---\n\n## Distribution Strategy\n\n### Individual Repository Releases\n\nEach repository releases independently:\n\n```\n# Core release\ncd provisioning-core\ngit tag v3.2.1\ngit push --tags\n# → GitHub Actions builds package\n# → Publishes to package registry\n\n# Platform release\ncd provisioning-platform\ngit tag v2.5.3\ngit push --tags\n# → GitHub Actions builds binaries\n# → Publishes to package registry\n```\n\n### Bundle Releases (Coordinated)\n\nDistribution repository creates tested bundles:\n\n```\ncd provisioning-distribution\n\n# Create bundle\njust create-bundle stable-3.2 \\n    --core 3.2.1 \\n    --platform 2.5.3 \\n    --workspace 1.4.0\n\n# Test bundle\njust test-bundle stable-3.2\n\n# Publish bundle\njust publish-bundle stable-3.2\n# → Creates meta-package with all components\n# → Publishes bundle to registry\n# → Updates documentation\n```\n\n### User Installation Options\n\n#### Option 1: Bundle Installation (Recommended for Users)\n\n```\n# Install stable bundle (easiest)\ncurl -fsSL https://get.provisioning.io | sh\n\n# Installs:\n# - provisioning-core 3.2.1\n# - provisioning-platform 2.5.3\n# - provisioning-workspace 1.4.0\n```\n\n#### Option 2: Individual Component Installation\n\n```\n# Install only core (minimal)\ncurl -fsSL https://get.provisioning.io/core | sh\n\n# Add platform later\nprovisioning install platform\n\n# Add extensions\nprovisioning extension install mongodb\n```\n\n#### Option 3: Custom Combination\n\n```\n# Install specific versions\nprovisioning install core@3.1.0\nprovisioning install platform@2.4.0\n```\n\n---\n\n## Repository Ownership and Contribution Model\n\n### Core Team Ownership\n\n| Repository | Primary Owner | Contribution Model |\n| ------------ | --------------- | ------------------- |\n| `provisioning-core` | Core Team | Strict review, stable API |\n| `provisioning-platform` | Platform Team | Fast iteration, performance focus |\n| `provisioning-extensions` | Community + Core | Open contributions, moderated |\n| `provisioning-workspace` | Docs Team | Template contributions welcome |\n| `provisioning-distribution` | Release Engineering | Core team only |\n\n### Contribution Workflow\n\n**For Core:**\n\n1. Create issue in `provisioning-core`\n2. Discuss design\n3. Submit PR with tests\n4. Strict code review\n5. Merge to `main`\n6. Release when ready\n\n**For Extensions:**\n\n1. Create extension in `provisioning-extensions`\n2. Follow extension guidelines\n3. Submit PR\n4. Community review\n5. Merge and publish to registry\n6. Independent versioning\n\n**For Platform:**\n\n1. Create issue in `provisioning-platform`\n2. Implement with benchmarks\n3. Submit PR\n4. Performance review\n5. Merge and release\n\n---\n\n## CI/CD Strategy\n\n### Per-Repository CI/CD\n\n**Core CI (`provisioning-core/.github/workflows/ci.yml`):**\n\n```\nname: Core CI\n\non: [push, pull_request]\n\njobs:\n  test:\n    runs-on: ubuntu-latest\n    steps:\n      - uses: actions/checkout@v3\n      - name: Install Nushell\n        run: cargo install nu\n      - name: Run tests\n        run: just test\n      - name: Validate Nickel schemas\n        run: just validate-nickel\n\n  package:\n    runs-on: ubuntu-latest\n    if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v')\n    steps:\n      - uses: actions/checkout@v3\n      - name: Build package\n        run: just build\n      - name: Publish to registry\n        run: just publish\n        env:\n          REGISTRY_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.REGISTRY_TOKEN }}\n```\n\n**Platform CI (`provisioning-platform/.github/workflows/ci.yml`):**\n\n```\nname: Platform CI\n\non: [push, pull_request]\n\njobs:\n  test:\n    strategy:\n      matrix:\n        os: [ubuntu-latest, macos-latest]\n    runs-on: ${{ matrix.os }}\n    steps:\n      - uses: actions/checkout@v3\n      - name: Build\n        run: cargo build --release\n      - name: Test\n        run: cargo test --workspace\n      - name: Benchmark\n        run: cargo bench\n\n  cross-compile:\n    runs-on: ubuntu-latest\n    if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/v')\n    steps:\n      - uses: actions/checkout@v3\n      - name: Build for Linux x86_64\n        run: cargo build --release --target x86_64-unknown-linux-gnu\n      - name: Build for Linux arm64\n        run: cargo build --release --target aarch64-unknown-linux-gnu\n      - name: Publish binaries\n        run: just publish-binaries\n```\n\n### Integration Testing (Distribution Repo)\n\n**Distribution CI (`provisioning-distribution/.github/workflows/integration.yml`):**\n\n```\nname: Integration Tests\n\non:\n  schedule:\n    - cron: '0 0 * * *'  # Daily\n  workflow_dispatch:\n\njobs:\n  test-bundle:\n    runs-on: ubuntu-latest\n    steps:\n      - uses: actions/checkout@v3\n\n      - name: Install bundle\n        run: |\n          nu release-automation/install-bundle.nu stable-3.2\n\n      - name: Run integration tests\n        run: |\n          nu tests/integration/test-all.nu\n\n      - name: Test upgrade path\n        run: |\n          nu tests/integration/test-upgrade.nu 3.1.0 3.2.1\n```\n\n---\n\n## File and Directory Structure Comparison\n\n### Monorepo Structure\n\n```\nprovisioning/                          (One repo, ~500 MB)\n├── core/                             (Nushell)\n├── platform/                         (Rust)\n├── extensions/                       (Community)\n├── workspace/                        (Templates)\n└── distribution/                     (Build)\n```\n\n### Multi-Repo Structure\n\n```\nprovisioning-core/                     (Repo 1, ~50 MB)\n├── nulib/\n├── cli/\n├── schemas/\n└── tools/\n\nprovisioning-platform/                 (Repo 2, ~150 MB with target/)\n├── orchestrator/\n├── control-center/\n├── mcp-server/\n└── Cargo.toml\n\nprovisioning-extensions/               (Repo 3, ~100 MB)\n├── registry/\n├── providers/\n├── taskservs/\n└── clusters/\n\nprovisioning-workspace/                (Repo 4, ~20 MB)\n├── templates/\n├── examples/\n└── blueprints/\n\nprovisioning-distribution/             (Repo 5, ~30 MB)\n├── release-automation/\n├── installers/\n├── packaging/\n└── registry/\n```\n\n---\n\n## Decision Matrix\n\n| Criterion | Monorepo | Multi-Repo |\n| ----------- | ---------- | ------------ |\n| **Development Complexity** | Simple | Moderate |\n| **Clone Size** | Large (~500 MB) | Small (50-150 MB each) |\n| **Cross-Component Changes** | Easy (atomic) | Moderate (coordinated) |\n| **Independent Releases** | Difficult | Easy |\n| **Language-Specific Tooling** | Mixed | Clean |\n| **Community Contributions** | Harder (big repo) | Easier (focused repos) |\n| **Version Management** | Simple (one version) | Complex (matrix) |\n| **CI/CD Complexity** | Simple (one pipeline) | Moderate (multiple) |\n| **Ownership Clarity** | Unclear | Clear |\n| **Extension Ecosystem** | Monolithic | Modular |\n| **Build Time** | Long (build all) | Short (build one) |\n| **Testing Isolation** | Difficult | Easy |\n\n---\n\n## Recommended Approach: Multi-Repo\n\n### Why Multi-Repo Wins for This Project\n\n1. **Clear Separation of Concerns**\n   - Nushell core vs Rust platform are different domains\n   - Different teams can own different repos\n   - Different release cadences make sense\n\n2. **Language-Specific Tooling**\n   - `provisioning-core`: Nushell-focused, simple testing\n   - `provisioning-platform`: Rust workspace, Cargo tooling\n   - No mixed tooling confusion\n\n3. **Community Contributions**\n   - Extensions repo is easier to contribute to\n   - Don't need to clone entire monorepo\n   - Clearer contribution guidelines per repo\n\n4. **Independent Versioning**\n   - Core can stay stable (3.x for months)\n   - Platform can iterate fast (2.x weekly)\n   - Extensions have own lifecycles\n\n5. **Build Performance**\n   - Only build what changed\n   - Faster CI/CD per repo\n   - Parallel builds across repos\n\n6. **Extension Ecosystem**\n   - Extensions repo becomes marketplace\n   - Third-party extensions can live separately\n   - Registry becomes discovery mechanism\n\n### Implementation Strategy\n\n**Phase 1: Split Repositories (Week 1-2)**\n\n1. Create 5 new repositories\n2. Extract code from monorepo\n3. Set up CI/CD for each\n4. Create initial packages\n\n**Phase 2: Package Integration (Week 3)**\n\n1. Implement package registry\n2. Create installers\n3. Set up version compatibility matrix\n4. Test cross-repo integration\n\n**Phase 3: Distribution System (Week 4)**\n\n1. Implement bundle system\n2. Create release automation\n3. Set up package hosting\n4. Document release process\n\n**Phase 4: Migration (Week 5)**\n\n1. Migrate existing users\n2. Update documentation\n3. Archive monorepo\n4. Announce new structure\n\n---\n\n## Conclusion\n\n**Recommendation: Multi-Repository Architecture with Package-Based Integration**\n\nThe multi-repo approach provides:\n\n- ✅ Clear separation between Nushell core and Rust platform\n- ✅ Independent release cycles for different components\n- ✅ Better community contribution experience\n- ✅ Language-specific tooling and workflows\n- ✅ Modular extension ecosystem\n- ✅ Faster builds and CI/CD\n- ✅ Clear ownership boundaries\n\n**Avoid:** Submodules (complexity nightmare)\n\n**Use:** Package-based dependencies with version compatibility matrix\n\nThis architecture scales better for your project's growth, supports a community extension ecosystem, and provides professional-grade separation of\nconcerns while maintaining integration through a well-designed package system.\n\n---\n\n## Next Steps\n\n1. **Approve multi-repo strategy**\n2. **Create repository split plan**\n3. **Set up GitHub organizations/teams**\n4. **Implement package registry**\n5. **Begin repository extraction**\n\nWould you like me to create a detailed **repository split implementation plan** next?
