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Ontology Extension

Plain-Language Definition

An ontology extension is a new type of content you add to an aDNA project beyond the base set. The base aDNA standard defines 14 entity types (like context, session, governance). When your project needs something the base doesn’t cover — like concept, tutorial, or adopter — you extend the ontology by adding a new directory, template, and AGENTS.md under the appropriate triad leg.

Technical Definition

A domain-specific entity type added to the base aDNA ontology (14 types across 3 triad legs). Extensions are created by adding a subdirectory under the appropriate triad leg, with an AGENTS.md defining the new type’s naming, frontmatter, and structure conventions, plus a template in how/templates/. The registry pattern (§5.1) governs how extensions relate to external objects. Extensions inherit the parent triad leg’s classification — a new what/ entity answers “WHAT does this project know?” (aDNA Standard §5.1)

Usage Examples

  • This vault adds 10 ontology extensions: concept, tutorial, pattern, glossary_entry, use_case, comparison (all under what/), community, adopter (under who/), and workshop, publishing (under how/). Each has its own AGENTS.md and template.
  • The extension process itself is documented as a skill: how/skills/skill_new_entity_type.md.

See Also