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Planning & Processabbreviation · /ɑːr ef siː/

RFC

In simple English

An RFC is a structured way to propose changes, new features, or architectural decisions in a tech team. Instead of making decisions in isolation, engineers write an RFC document outlining the problem, proposed solution, tradeoffs, and implementation plan. The team then reviews and comments on the RFC, often in a dedicated meeting or discussion thread, to catch issues early and build consensus before coding begins. RFCs are commonly used in larger teams and companies where coordination is critical. The process encourages knowledge sharing, prevents duplicate work, and surfaces concerns from different perspectives (security, performance, UX). Once an RFC is approved through discussion, it becomes a reference document for the actual implementation. The term originated from the internet standards community (IETF), but tech companies have adopted it widely for internal design decisions. Some teams use RFCs for major features; others use them for any significant change.

What RFC means, how to write one, and when to use it in software engineering

At a glanceCEFR B2
Commonness5/5
Versatility4/5
FormalityCasualFormalNeutral
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticDirect
RegionUS and UK
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Say it like this

✓We should RFC this architecture change before we start coding.
✓Can you open an RFC for the new API design?
✓I left comments on your RFC in the shared doc.

Real examples

in a standup

"I started an RFC for the database migration. Please review it and add your comments by Friday."

in an email

"Before we redesign the authentication system, let us publish an RFC to gather feedback from the security team."

in a code review

"This change is large enough that it should have gone through the RFC process first."

Don't say this

Handle with care. RFC is not a request for permission but a formal proposal inviting discussion and feedback. Do not use it for quick approvals or urgent decisions.

✕We RFC this change yesterday, so let us start coding now.
✓We published an RFC for this change yesterday, so let us start coding now.— RFC is not a verb meaning to approve; use 'publish' or 'open' instead. RFC is the document or process.
✕Send me an RFC if you need my approval on this feature.
✓Send me an RFC if you want feedback and discussion on this feature proposal.— An RFC invites discussion and consensus, not a quick approval. RFCs are for significant decisions, not minor requests.
✕I will RFC that bug fix tomorrow.
✓I will open an RFC for the refactoring plan tomorrow.— Small bug fixes do not require an RFC. Use RFC for major features, architecture changes, or decisions affecting multiple teams.

Other forms

noun

RFC

"The RFC for the new caching strategy is ready for review."

noun

to open/publish/submit an RFC

"We plan to open an RFC next week for the microservices migration."

Often used with

open an RFCto initiate or create a new RFC document for team discussion
submit an RFCto formally present an RFC for review and feedback
review an RFCto read and provide comments on a proposed RFC
approve an RFCto sign off on an RFC after discussion, clearing it for implementation
RFC feedbackcomments and suggestions from team members on an RFC

Similar words

design documentbroader term; an RFC is a specific type of design document with a defined review process
proposalmore general; an RFC is a formal, structured proposal in tech
specificationRFC specifies what will be built, but usually at a higher level than a full technical spec

Opposites

implementationcode review

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Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Pick the most natural phrasing

1. Your team is planning a major database change. What do you say?

Complete the sentence

2. Before we redesign the payment system, we must _______ an RFC to gather feedback from the finance and security teams.

Spot the mistake

3. Which sentence uses RFC incorrectly?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite this using RFC: 'Before we make this big technical decision, we should write a document and have everyone discuss it and give us feedback.'

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "rfc" in a standup this week?

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