Github Ruleset Architecture

GitHub Ruleset Architecture

Purpose

Create a deterministic, auditable protection model using GitHub rulesets as primary governance controls.

Scope

• Branch/tag rulesets
• Push rulesets where supported
• Ruleset layering with existing branch protection
• Bypass actor minimization
• Merge queue compatibility checks

Hard constraints

1. No destructive migration in one pass.
2. Preserve current enforcement unless explicitly approved.
3. Prefer staged rollout: Disabled -> validate -> Active.
4. Always report bypass principals explicitly.

Core checks

• Ruleset target patterns (fnmatch) are precise and non-overlapping where possible.
• Layered rules produce intended effective policy (most restrictive wins).
• Bypass is least-privilege (role/team/app, justified).
• Merge queue requirements align with rules/protections.
• Required checks include merge_group readiness where merge queue is used.

Output contract

RULESET_ARCHITECTURE_REPORT
mode: <audit|design|migrate|verify>
scope: <repo|org>
policy_profile: <strict|standard|light>

current_state:
- rulesets_found: <count>
- branch_protection_found: <yes|no>
- merge_queue_required: <yes|no>

findings:
- id: R1
  result: <pass|fail|partial>
  observation: <what exists>
  risk: <low|medium|high>

proposed_changes:
1) change: <specific rule/ruleset>
   rationale: <why>
   rollout: <disabled-validate-active|direct>
   verification: <objective check>

decision:
- <apply|defer|NO_CHANGE>

missing_evidence:
- <none or required artifacts>

Invocation policy

Use before pre-merge governance hardening and before introducing merge queue/ruleset changes across repos.