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name: refactoring-12-data-versioning description: Use when adding lightweight data versioning and dataset reproducibility practices.

Refactoring 12: Data Versioning

Goal

Make input data changes explicit and reproducible.

Sequence

• Order: 12
• Previous: refactoring-11-ci-automation
• Next: none

Workflow

• Define dataset sources, versions, and checksums.
  • Success: Each dataset has an identifiable source and version.
• Store metadata in a manifest (CSV/JSON/TOML).
  • Success: Manifest captures dataset metadata and checksums.
• Separate raw data from derived artifacts.
  • Success: Raw and derived data live in distinct locations.
• Record dataset version alongside experiment outputs.
  • Success: Outputs reference the dataset version used.
• Prefer lightweight tracking unless DVC or similar is already in use.
  • Success: Versioning stays minimal and non-disruptive.

Guardrails

• Do not commit large datasets to git.
• Avoid tooling changes that block current workflows.
• Keep versioning easy to maintain.