Evidence and Proof · Lesson 02 of 04

Runtime and lifecycle proof

Runtime proof evaluates selected runtime obligations; lifecycle proof additionally binds phase transitions, teardown authority, and exact cleanup.

LearnEvidence and ProofIntermediate8 min read1.6.26+2026-08-24

Learning objectives

  • Distinguish runtime proof from task exit-code proof
  • Run ota proof runtime and read the result
  • Identify what lifecycle proof adds over runtime proof

Prerequisites

Runtime proof evaluates one declared workflow's runtime obligations. Lifecycle proof additionally binds startup, readiness, assertion, teardown authority, and terminal cleanup transitions for the selected service boundary.

Runtime proof

Runtime proof resolves the selected workflow, exercises its declared runtime surfaces and dependency obligations, and can include a contract-owned negative control. Its verdict remains bounded by not_proved records for obligations Ota could not establish.

Run and archive one runtime proof
ota proof runtime --workflow app --json --archive

Lifecycle proof

Lifecycle proof is phase-accurate. Cleanup authority must be acquired before service start, and terminal evidence can claim only the exact boundary Ota removed. Failed or interrupted setup cannot be reported as completed simply because later cleanup succeeded.

Prove one selected service lifecycle
ota proof lifecycle --workflow smoke --service database --json --archive

Canonical terminology

runtime-prooflifecycle-proofreadiness-signal

Commands and expected output

Runtime proof
ota proof runtime --workflow app --json --archive
Lifecycle proof
ota proof lifecycle --workflow smoke --service database --json --archive

Evidence boundary for this lesson

Establishes

  • The worked examples establish the lesson's canonical Ota distinctions for its stated scope.

Does not establish

  • Reading the lesson does not validate a repository, execute its tasks, or establish organizational acceptance.

Knowledge check

What does lifecycle proof add beyond runtime readiness?

It binds phase-valid transitions, teardown authority, terminal outcome, and exact cleanup for the selected service boundary.

Relevant specifications