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+# Contributing
+
+## Working Rules
+
+- Keep changes scoped to the issue or user request.
+- Prefer existing project patterns.
+- Do not commit secrets, generated credentials, local `.env` files, or private keys.
+- Do not create releases unless explicitly requested.
+- Preserve unrelated user changes.
+
+## Before Committing
+
+Run the cheapest reliable verification commands for this project:
+
+```bash
+LINT_COMMAND
+TEST_COMMAND
+BUILD_COMMAND
+```
+
+Also run:
+
+```bash
+git diff --check
+```
+
+If a command cannot run, document why in the final response or handoff notes.
+
+## Pull Requests
+
+Pull requests should include:
+
+- summary of changes,
+- verification performed,
+- known risks or skipped checks,
+- artifact/download notes when relevant.
+
+## Releases
+
+Before release work, update:
+
+```text
+CHANGELOG.md
+docs/release-checklist.md
+docs/security-review.md
+README.md
+```
+