# Standards & Practices

## Standards
_Standards are what we say we will do._

Standards are written by committees. Standards are enforced
by policies. A standard without a mechanism for policy
enforcement is an empty promise.

## Practices
_Practices are what actually happen._

Practices arise out of patterns of behavior created while
people do their work. Practices are enforced by social
contracts. Practices diverge organically without clear
leadership.