Principlev1
Externalize agent specifications in written form as the
Externalize agent specifications in written form as the reference for drift detection — comparison requires a fixed baseline outside memory.
Why This Is a Principle
This derives from Generative Externalization (externalization is generative), Externalization Exposes Hidden Structure (externalization exposes gaps), and Memory is reconstructive, not reproductive—humans rebuild (memory is reconstructive not reproductive). The principle prescribes written specifications because memory itself drifts and reconstructs — you cannot detect deviation from a baseline if the baseline exists only in memory that changes to match current practice. DevOps infrastructure-as-code grounds this.