Runtime Tooling Validation

• Approved LTS versions are used consistently per policy
• Version policies are explicit and traceable
• Components remain buildable/testable under the chosen versions
• No unnecessary divergence is introduced
• Tool configuration remains consistent across tools and components (see automated-standards-enforcement)
• Local runtime/tooling versions are checked against repo pins, and any drift is resolved or documented
• Package installs complete with zero warnings or errors

Process

1. Source Review: Inventory all runtimes and build tools currently used in the repository and compare them against the repo pins.
2. Discovery: Confirm the latest LTS versions from authoritative sources and confirm the repo-specific target with the user.
3. Decision: Record the repo-specific LTS baseline in tooling files (e.g., .nvmrc, package.json engines).
4. Implementation: Upgrade or align runtimes and tools to the required versions.
5. Verification: Run package installs and build/test for all components to ensure the updated tooling doesn't introduce regressions or warnings.
6. Documentation: Document the required runtime and tool versions in the repository's root documentation or an ADR for major upgrades.
7. Review: Platform Engineer and Tech Lead review the tooling changes for consistency and stability.

Example Test / Validation

• Demonstrate a failing build/check due to unsupported version, then align to pass
• Verify impacted components build/test under the approved versions
• Confirm version policy is reflected consistently in component configuration
• Record the LTS source and confirmation used for the repo decision
• Verify package installs complete without warnings or errors

Common Red Flags / Guardrail Violations

• "It works on my machine" version choices
• Pinning bespoke versions per component without justification
• Upgrading runtimes as part of unrelated feature work without impact analysis
• Downgrading standards to accommodate drift
• Ignoring engine warnings or local version mismatches without a repo decision
• Allowing package install warnings/errors to remain unresolved

Recommended Review Personas

• Platform Engineer – validates standardisation and environment parity
• Tech Lead – validates policy alignment and scope
• Domain Expert – validates compatibility risks for critical components

Skill Priority

P2 – Consistency & Governance

Conflict Resolution Rules

• Prefer standardisation unless a justified exception exists
• Exceptions require explicit documentation and review
• Upgrades must be scoped; avoid bundling with unrelated work (YAGNI)

Conceptual Dependencies

• incremental-change-impact

Classification

Governance
Operational

Notes

Tooling drift is a compounding cost. Prevent it early and consistently.