In software development, collaboration is everything. Clear communication can make or break a project, whether you’re a Sydney-based startup or a Melbourne enterprise. That’s where RFC (Request for Comments) comes in—a structured way to propose, discuss, and refine ideas before they become code.
But what exactly is an RFC, and why should Australian developers care? Let’s break it down.
RFC Explained: The Backbone of Collaborative Coding
An RFC (Request for Comments) is a formal document that outlines a proposed change, feature, or improvement in a software project. It is a discussion framework that allows teams to weigh in before implementation begins.
Initially developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) in 1969, Requests for Comments (RFCs) were designed to standardise internet protocols. Today, they’re widely used in open-source projects (like Linux and Kubernetes) and tech companies (including Google and GitHub) to ensure well-documented and debated decisions.
Why RFCs Matter in Australian Tech
Australia’s tech scene is booming, with hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane leading innovation. Whether you’re working in fintech, SaaS, or AI, RFCs help:
✅ Improve decision-making – No more rushed coding decisions.
✅ Encourage transparency – Every stakeholder gets a say.
✅ Reduce technical debt – Better planning means fewer messy fixes later.
How RFCs Work in Software Development
1. Proposal Stage
A developer drafts an RFC detailing:
- The problem – What needs fixing?
- The solution – How will it work?
- Alternatives considered – Why is this the best approach?
Example: If an Australian fintech startup wants to upgrade its API, an RFC ensures backend and frontend teams align before coding starts.
2. Review & Feedback
The RFC is shared with the team (or open-source community) for feedback. Discussions happen via:
- GitHub comments
- Slack/Teams threads
- Live meetings
3. Approval & Implementation
Once consensus is reached, the RFC is approved, and development begins. Some teams use RFC tracking tools like Jira or Confluence to monitor progress.
RFC vs. Other Software Documentation
| Feature | RFC (Request for Comments) | PR (Pull Request) | Design Doc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Propose new ideas/changes | Submit code changes | Outline system design |
| Stage | Pre-development | Post-development | Pre-development |
| Collaboration | Team-wide discussion | Code review | Team review |
| Flexibility | High (can be revised) | Low (code is set) | Medium |
Unlike a pull request, which reviews existing code, an RFC happens before coding starts—saving time and avoiding wasted effort.
Real-World RFC Examples in Australia
1. Atlassian’s Engineering Culture
Atlassian, one of Australia’s most prominent tech success stories, uses RFC-like processes to refine features in Jira and Confluence. Their teams debate proposals early, ensuring smoother rollouts.
2. Canva’s Scalability Decisions
Canva’s rapid growth required careful system upgrades. RFCs helped their engineers agree on database scaling strategies before implementation, preventing costly mistakes.
Best Practices for Writing an RFC
Want your RFC to get traction? Follow these tips:
🔹 Be Clear & Concise – Avoid jargon; explain the problem simply.
🔹 Include Visuals – Diagrams or flowcharts help clarify complex ideas.
🔹 Anticipate Questions – Address potential objections upfront.
🔹 Set a Deadline – Encourage timely feedback.
Should Your Team Use RFCs?
If your projects involve:
- Multiple stakeholders (developers, PMs, QA testers)
- High-risk changes (migrations, API overhauls)
- Open-source contributions
…then yes, RFCs can save headaches.
For smaller teams or quick fixes? A lightweight alternative (like a Slack thread) might suffice.
Final Thoughts: RFCs as a Growth Tool
Strong processes in Australia’s competitive tech market separate good teams from great ones. RFCs foster collaboration, reduce errors, and keep everyone aligned—whether you’re in Sydney’s startup scene or a Brisbane enterprise.
Ready to implement RFCs? Start with a template (like GitHub’s RFC guide) and refine it to fit your team’s needs.
Got Questions?
Have you used RFCs in your projects? Share your experiences in the comments!
