Document implementation status and correct false achievement claims

.gitignore

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+# Rust
+target/
+Cargo.lock
+**/*.rs.bk
+*.pdb
+
+# Python
+__pycache__/
+*.py[cod]
+*$py.class
+*.so
+.Python
+build/
+develop-eggs/
+dist/
+downloads/
+eggs/
+.eggs/
+lib/
+lib64/
+parts/
+sdist/
+var/
+wheels/
+*.egg-info/
+.installed.cfg
+*.egg
+MANIFEST
+.venv/
+venv/
+ENV/
+env/
+
+# IDEs
+.vscode/
+.idea/
+*.swp
+*.swo
+*~
+.DS_Store
+
+# Testing
+.coverage
+.pytest_cache/
+htmlcov/
+
+# Build artifacts
+*.deb
+*.rpm
+*.pkg.tar.*
+*.tar.gz
+*.tar.xz
+
+# Temporary files
+*.log
+*.tmp
+/tmp/
+
+# Snapshots (for testing)
+test_snapshots/
+*.btrfs
+*.img
+
+# Documentation builds
+docs/_build/
+docs/.buildinfo
+
+# Local configuration
+.env
+.local
+local.yaml
+local.repro.yaml
+
+# OS
+Thumbs.db
+.directory

CONTRIBUTING.md

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+# Contributing to ArchRepro
+
+Thank you for your interest in contributing to ArchRepro! This document provides guidelines for contributing to the project.
+
+---
+
+## Project Status
+
+⚠️ **Current Phase:** Pre-Alpha / Documentation & Planning
+
+ArchRepro is currently in the early planning and foundation phase. While comprehensive documentation exists, implementation work is just beginning. This is an **excellent time to contribute** as you can help shape the project from the ground up!
+
+See [IMPLEMENTATION_STATUS.md](IMPLEMENTATION_STATUS.md) for detailed information about what exists vs what needs building.
+
+---
+
+## How to Contribute
+
+### For Developers
+
+#### 1. Getting Started
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/yourusername/archrepro.git
+cd archrepro
+
+# Read these documents first:
+cat README.md
+cat DEVELOPING.md
+cat IMPLEMENTATION_STATUS.md
+cat TODO.md
+```
+
+#### 2. Pick a Task
+- Check [TODO.md](TODO.md) for a complete list of tasks
+- Look for issues labeled `good-first-issue` or `help-wanted`
+- Start with Phase 0 (Foundation) tasks if you're new
+- Comment on an issue to claim it before starting work
+
+#### 3. Development Workflow
+```bash
+# Create a feature branch
+git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name
+
+# Make your changes
+# ... edit code ...
+
+# Run tests (when they exist)
+cargo test
+python -m pytest
+
+# Run linters (when configured)
+cargo fmt
+cargo clippy
+
+# Commit with clear messages
+git commit -m "feat: add manifest parser for kernel section"
+
+# Push and create PR
+git push origin feature/your-feature-name
+```
+
+#### 4. Pull Request Guidelines
+- **One feature per PR** - keep changes focused and reviewable
+- **Write tests** - all new code should have tests
+- **Update documentation** - if behavior changes, docs must too
+- **Follow DEVELOPING.md standards** - especially commenting guidelines
+- **Link to issues** - reference related issues in PR description
+
+### For Non-Developers
+
+Even if you don't write code, you can still contribute:
+
+#### Documentation
+- Fix typos or unclear explanations
+- Add examples and use cases
+- Improve installation instructions (once code exists)
+- Write tutorials or guides
+
+#### Testing & Feedback
+- Test on different Arch setups (once alpha is available)
+- Report bugs with detailed reproduction steps
+- Share use cases and requirements
+- Provide feedback on UX and CLI design
+
+#### Community
+- Answer questions in discussions
+- Help triage issues
+- Write blog posts or make videos
+- Spread the word about the project
+
+---
+
+## Code Standards
+
+### Rust Code
+- Use `rustfmt` for formatting (run `cargo fmt`)
+- Use `clippy` for linting (run `cargo clippy`)
+- Avoid `unwrap()` and `expect()` in production code
+- Document all public functions with doc comments
+- Write unit tests for all logic
+
+### Python Code
+- Follow PEP 8 style guide
+- Use type hints for all function signatures
+- Use Black for formatting (when configured)
+- Write docstrings for all functions
+- Prefer explicit over implicit
+
+### Commenting
+See [DEVELOPING.md](DEVELOPING.md) for extensive commentary guidelines. Key points:
+- Explain **WHY**, not just **WHAT**
+- Document constraints (determinism, security, compatibility)
+- Mark workarounds with TODO and removal conditions
+- Include rationale for non-obvious decisions
+
+### Commit Messages
+Use conventional commits format:
+```
+type(scope): brief description
+
+Longer explanation if needed...
+
+Fixes #123
+```
+
+Types:
+- `feat`: New feature
+- `fix`: Bug fix
+- `docs`: Documentation only
+- `test`: Adding tests
+- `refactor`: Code restructuring
+- `perf`: Performance improvements
+- `chore`: Maintenance tasks
+
+---
+
+## Testing Requirements
+
+### Unit Tests
+- Required for all new logic
+- Test happy paths and error cases
+- Use descriptive test names
+- Mock external dependencies
+
+### Integration Tests
+- Required for CLI commands
+- Test end-to-end workflows
+- Use fixtures for test data
+- Clean up after tests
+
+### Reproducibility Tests
+- Critical for build-related code
+- Verify deterministic output
+- Test with multiple runs
+- Document any known non-determinism
+
+---
+
+## Security Considerations
+
+ArchRepro deals with system-level operations. All contributions must consider security:
+
+- **Never trust user input** - validate everything
+- **Avoid privilege escalation** - minimize root operations
+- **Sandbox dangerous operations** - isolate builds and rebuilds
+- **Verify checksums** - don't trust network data
+- **Document security assumptions** - explain threat model
+- **Report vulnerabilities privately** - see SECURITY.md (when created)
+
+---
+
+## Documentation Standards
+
+### README.md
+- Keep concise and high-level
+- Focus on user benefits
+- Accurate project status (no vaporware claims!)
+- Link to detailed docs for deep dives
+
+### Code Documentation
+- All public APIs must have doc comments
+- Include examples in documentation
+- Document error conditions
+- Explain parameters and return values
+
+### User Documentation
+- Write for Arch users with varying skill levels
+- Provide examples for common use cases
+- Include troubleshooting sections
+- Keep language clear and precise
+
+---
+
+## Communication
+
+### GitHub Issues
+- Use for bug reports and feature requests
+- Search existing issues before creating new ones
+- Provide reproduction steps for bugs
+- Be specific about feature requirements
+
+### GitHub Discussions
+- Use for questions and general discussion
+- Share use cases and ideas
+- Help other users
+- Discuss design decisions
+
+### Code Reviews
+- Be constructive and respectful
+- Focus on code, not the person
+- Explain reasoning for suggestions
+- Be open to feedback on your own code
+
+---
+
+## License
+
+By contributing to ArchRepro, you agree that your contributions will be licensed under the GPL-3.0-or-later license.
+
+Some performance-critical components may be dual-licensed MIT/Apache-2.0 in the future. Contributors will be consulted before any license changes.
+
+---
+
+## Recognition
+
+All contributors will be:
+- Listed in the contributors section
+- Mentioned in release notes for significant contributions
+- Acknowledged in the project documentation
+
+---
+
+## Getting Help
+
+- Read existing documentation first
+- Search issues and discussions
+- Ask in GitHub Discussions
+- Tag maintainers if urgent
+
+---
+
+## Code of Conduct
+
+### Our Standards
+- Be respectful and inclusive
+- Welcome newcomers
+- Accept constructive criticism
+- Focus on what's best for the project
+- Show empathy toward others
+
+### Unacceptable Behavior
+- Harassment or discrimination
+- Trolling or personal attacks
+- Publishing private information
+- Other unprofessional conduct
+
+### Enforcement
+Violations may result in:
+1. Warning
+2. Temporary ban
+3. Permanent ban
+
+Report violations to project maintainers.
+
+---
+
+## Roadmap and Priorities
+
+See [ROADMAP.md](ROADMAP.md) for planned milestones.
+
+Current priorities (February 2026):
+1. **Phase 0:** Project structure and build system
+2. **Phase 1:** Manifest parser and validator
+3. **Phase 2:** Basic package management
+4. **Phase 3:** Deterministic builds
+
+Focus contributions on current phase tasks for maximum impact.
+
+---
+
+## Thank You!
+
+ArchRepro aims to bring strong reproducibility to Arch Linux while respecting the Arch Way. Your contributions help make this vision a reality.
+
+Every contribution matters - whether it's code, documentation, testing, or feedback. Thank you for being part of this project!
+
+---
+
+*For technical details, see [DEVELOPING.md](DEVELOPING.md)*  
+*For task tracking, see [TODO.md](TODO.md)*  
+*For project status, see [IMPLEMENTATION_STATUS.md](IMPLEMENTATION_STATUS.md)*