tRFC

tRFC stands for "temporary RFC," a term used within the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and broader internet standards community to describe proposed standards or best practices that are under active development or discussion. Unlike official RFCs (Request for Comments), which are fully ratified documents published on the IETF website, tRFCs represent preliminary ideas, drafts, or experimental concepts that may evolve, be rejected, or later become formal RFCs.

The purpose of tRFCs is to gather feedback from the technical community before a proposal reaches a stage where it can be formally reviewed and approved. They often address emerging technologies, novel approaches, or evolving requirements in networking, protocols, and internet architecture. While not binding, tRFCs serve as a mechanism for early collaboration, helping authors refine their work based on input from peers.

tRFCs are distinct from other IETF working documents, such as Internet-Drafts, which are also preliminary but follow a more structured review process. Unlike Internet-Drafts, tRFCs are typically shorter, more informal, and may not adhere to strict formatting guidelines. They are often published as plain-text documents or in informal formats to encourage accessibility and rapid iteration.

The process of creating a tRFC begins with an author submitting a draft to the IETF community, usually through mailing lists or working group discussions. If the proposal receives sufficient interest and constructive feedback, it may progress toward becoming an Internet-Draft or, eventually, an official RFC. Alternatively, it may be archived if deemed insufficiently mature or relevant.

tRFCs play a crucial role in fostering innovation by allowing experimental ideas to be explored without the constraints of formal standards. They contribute to the open and iterative nature of internet standardization, ensuring that evolving technologies remain flexible and responsive to community needs.