thrillwiki_django_no_react/memory-bank/decisions/wiki_plugin_decisions.md

Wiki Plugin Implementation Decisions

Parks Plugin Design Decisions

1. Plugin Architecture

Decision: Implement as full Django-Wiki plugin rather than standalone app Rationale:

• Better integration with wiki features
• Consistent user experience
• Built-in revision tracking
• Permission system reuse

2. Data Model Structure

Decision: Split into ParkMetadata and ParkStatistic models Rationale:

• Separates core metadata from time-series data
• Allows efficient querying of historical data
• Enables future analytics features
• Maintains data normalization

3. GeoDjango Integration

Decision: Use GeoDjango for location data Rationale:

• Proper spatial data handling
• Future mapping capabilities
• Industry standard for geographic features
• Enables location-based queries

4. JSON Fields for Flexible Data

Decision: Use JSONField for amenities and ticket info Rationale:

• Allows schema evolution
• Supports varying data structures
• Easy to extend without migrations
• Good for unstructured data

5. Template Organization

Decision: Three-template structure (metadata, statistics, sidebar) Rationale:

• Separates concerns
• Reusable components
• Easier maintenance
• Better performance (partial updates)

6. Form Handling

Decision: Custom form classes with specialized processing Rationale:

• Complex data transformation
• Better validation
• Improved user experience
• Reusable logic

Lessons Learned

Successful Approaches

1. Separation of Metadata and Statistics

   • Simplified queries
   • Better performance
   • Easier maintenance

2. Use of Tailwind CSS

   • Consistent styling
   • Rapid development
   • Responsive design

3. Template Structure

   • Modular design
   • Clear separation
   • Easy to extend

Areas for Improvement

1. Cache Strategy

   • Need more granular caching
   • Consider cache invalidation
   • Performance optimization

2. Form Validation

   • Add more client-side validation
   • Improve error messages
   • Consider async validation

3. Data Migration

   • Need better migration tools
   • Consider automated mapping
   • Improve data verification

Impact on Rides Plugin

Design Patterns to Reuse

1. Model Structure

   • Metadata/Statistics split
   • JSON fields for flexibility
   • Clear relationships

2. Template Organization

   • Three-template approach
   • Component reuse
   • Consistent layout

3. Form Handling

   • Custom validation
   • Field transformation
   • Error handling

Improvements to Implement

1. Cache Strategy

   • Implement from start
   • More granular control
   • Better invalidation

2. Data Validation

   • More comprehensive
   • Better error handling
   • Client-side checks

3. Integration Points

   • Cleaner API
   • Better event handling
   • Improved relationships

Future Considerations

Scalability

1. Database Optimization

   • Index strategy
   • Query optimization
   • Cache usage

2. Content Management

   • Media handling
   • Version control
   • Content validation

3. User Experience

   • Progressive enhancement
   • Loading states
   • Error recovery

Maintenance

1. Documentation

   • Keep inline docs
   • Update technical docs
   • Maintain user guides

2. Testing

   • Comprehensive coverage
   • Integration tests
   • Performance tests

3. Monitoring

   • Error tracking
   • Performance metrics
   • Usage analytics

Technical Debt Management

Current Technical Debt

1. Cache Implementation

   • Basic caching only
   • No invalidation strategy
   • Limited scope

2. Form Validation

   • Mostly server-side
   • Basic client validation
   • Limited feedback

3. Error Handling

   • Basic error messages
   • Limited recovery options
   • Minimal logging

Debt Resolution Plan

1. Short Term

   • Implement cache strategy
   • Add client validation
   • Improve error messages

2. Medium Term

   • Optimize queries
   • Add monitoring
   • Enhance testing

3. Long Term

   • Full cache system
   • Advanced validation
   • Comprehensive logging