This repository contains all versions of the Dynamic Capability Acquisition Protocol (DCAP) specification.

Latest: DCAP.md - Version 2.2 (October 2025)

Status: Current

Key Changes:

• Added cost_paid field to perf_update for economic tracking
• Added currency field to perf_update for multi-currency support
• Economic efficiency optimization guidelines (Section 5.4)
• Cost data transparency considerations (Section 6.3.2)
• Updated tool ranking to include cost optimization

Migration from v2.1:

• Fully backward compatible
• Cost fields are optional
• Existing v2.1 implementations continue to work

Rationale:

• Performance optimization includes both speed AND cost
• Oracle agents need cost data to recommend economically efficient tool chains
• Transparency enables market efficiency and price discovery

Status: Superseded

Key Changes:

• Enhanced perf_update message with optional ctx object
• Support for sanitized ctx.args in performance updates
• Chain pattern detection guidelines (Section 5.3)
• Argument sanitization requirements (Section 6.3.1)
• Intelligence consumer requirements (Section 7.4)

Migration from v2.0:

• Fully backward compatible
• All new fields are optional
• Existing v2.0 implementations continue to work

Status: Superseded

Initial Features:

• UDP broadcast for capability advertisement
• WebSocket distribution layer
• Three message types: semantic_discover, perf_update, error_pattern
• Semantic matching algorithms
• Security and privacy considerations

New implementations: Use Version 2.1

• Implement perf_update with ctx.args for better observability
• Follow argument sanitization guidelines (Section 6.3.1)

Existing v2.0 implementations:

• Continue working without changes
• Upgrade recommended for chain detection support

New implementations: Use Version 2.1

• Parse ctx.args from perf_update messages
• Implement local performance tracking

Existing v2.0 implementations:

• Continue working without changes
• Gracefully ignore unknown fields in ctx

Use Version 2.1:

• Track perf_update sequences by sid (Section 5.3)
• Build statistical models of tool chains
• Respect privacy of observed ctx.args

To propose changes to the specification:

1. Create a new version file (e.g., DCAP-v2.2.md)
2. Document all changes in the Changelog section
3. Update this README with version details
4. Submit for review

This specification is provided as-is for implementation by any party.

Martin Maurer
Email: [email protected]