xtc/docs/decisions/0003-realtime-thread-rules.md

# Decision 0003: Real-Time Thread Rules

**Status:** Accepted

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## Context

Audio glitches and unsafe graph changes can undermine the whole application.

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## Decision

The audio callback performs bounded processing using preallocated resources. It
performs no allocation/free, blocking locks, file I/O, logging, GUI calls,
plugin loading, or waits. Graphs are prepared outside the callback and active
graph resources are retired only after safe reclamation.

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## Consequences

Thread ownership and publication mechanisms must be documented and tested. Any
exception to these rules requires explicit evidence and review.