codec-development

To implement ROX format codecs, create a module under src/codec/formats/<format> with decode and encode functions. This process enforces structured validation, clear error types, and deterministic parsing to guarantee format fidelity from encoder to decoder.

Adding a new format requires implementing parsers and integrating them with the auto-registration system. This workflow ensures the new format passes round-trip fidelity tests, handles edge cases, and documents any format-specific quirks for maintainability.

Testing round-trip fidelity involves writing tests that encode data, decode it back, and verify the output matches the original input. This practice is supplemented by fuzzing integration to catch edge cases and ensure robust error handling.

Format parsers fail on invalid input when lacking strict input validation and clear error types. Implementing robust error handling and integrating fuzzing hooks during codec development catches malformed data and prevents unpredictable parsing failures.

Yes, you must update the auto-decode and auto-encode registry when adding a new codec. This registration step ensures the system automatically routes the new format to your custom parsers and encoders for seamless processing.