A type of formal publication from the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) that provides guidance on processes, methods, or community expectations that are considered the most effective approach at the time of writing. Unlike technical standards that define protocols or architectures, BCPs serve as recommendations for conduct, operations, and procedures across the Internet community. BCPs exist to capture practical knowledge and consensus about how specific non-technical issues should be handled. They may outline rules for organizational structures, describe how working groups operate, or establish policies for internet governance. For example, BCPs have been used to define IETF procedures, document security practices, and set out policies for the allocation of Internet number resources. One of the defining characteristics of a BCP is that it is not fixed permanently. Because it reflects what is best at the current moment, it can be updated or even replaced as technology, practices, and community needs evolve. This adaptability ensures that BCPs remain relevant and aligned with modern expectations. In practical terms, a BCP is highly authoritative within the Internet community. While not consistently prescriptive like a strict standard, it carries significant weight, as it reflects community consensus on the most effective approach to important issues. For engineers, administrators, and organizations, following BCPs helps ensure interoperability, reliability, and credibility in the rapidly changing internet ecosystem.
Definition and Purpose
A best current practice (BCP) is a de facto level of performance in engineering and information technology. It is more flexible than a standard, since techniques and tools are continually evolving. The Internet Engineering Task Force publishes Best Current Practice documents in a numbered document series. Each document in this series is paired with the currently valid Request for Comments (RFC) document. BCP was introduced in RFC-1818. BCPs are document guidelines, processes, methods, and other matters not suitable for standardization. The Internet standards process itself is defined in a series of BCPs, as is the formal organizational structure of the IETF, Internet Engineering Steering Group, Internet Architecture Board, and other groups involved in that process.
Key Characteristics
- Adaptability: BCPs can be updated or replaced as technology, practices, and community needs evolve.
- Consensus-Based: They reflect the community consensus on the most effective approach to important issues.
- Non-Technical Focus: BCPs address processes, methods, or community expectations rather than technical standards.
Practical Applications
- Organizational Structures: Outlining rules for organizational structures within the IETF.
- Working Group Operations: Describing how working groups operate.
- Internet Governance: Establishing policies for internet governance, such as the allocation of Internet number resources.
- Security Practices: Documenting security practices and procedures.