quantization-hardening.md

Quantization and Arithmetic Hardening

Roadmap linkage:

• t81-roadmap#2
• t81-roadmap/PHASE1_STABILIZATION_MATRIX.md (P1-S2)

This document is the Phase 1 hardening checklist for t81lib.

Hardening Checklist

• Define a reproducible core arithmetic validation lane (C++ build + unit tests).
• Define a reproducible quantization validation lane (Python tests with explicit deps).
• Add one command entry point that runs both lanes in a consistent order.
• Require changed quantization claims to include benchmark artifact references.
• Route contract-impacting changes back to roadmap tracking.

Reproducible Validation Paths

Lane A: Core arithmetic (required)

Runs deterministic C++ checks through CMake/CTest:

scripts/validate_quantization_hardening.sh

Lane B: Python quantization surface (optional but required for Python/API changes)

python3 -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activate
pip install ".[torch]"
scripts/validate_quantization_hardening.sh --with-python

Benchmark Artifact Rule

If a change alters quantization behavior or performance claims, include:

1. Command used (for example scripts/ternary_quantization_benchmark.py args).
2. Output artifact path (benchmarks/*.csv or benchmarks/*.json).
3. Before/after summary in PR or issue notes.

Contract/Governance Rule

When quantization behavior changes impact cross-repo assumptions, open or update linked tracking in:

1. t81-roadmap (Phase 1 tracker),
2. downstream contract consumers as needed (t81-python, t81-lang).