13  Roadmaps

13.1 If you are starting from scratch

Focus on the smallest complete lab:

  1. choose your primary machine and platform strategy
  2. install a shell, editor, package manager, and Git
  3. define a project directory convention
  4. create a note capture system
  5. set up backup and sync separately
  6. build one complete project with clear structure

13.2 If you already have a messy but functioning setup

Do not rebuild everything at once. Instead:

  1. standardize new projects first
  2. create a simple archive pattern for old work
  3. define rules for naming, storage, and notes
  4. move important configuration into versioned text
  5. improve backup and recovery before major migration

13.3 If you are leading a team or lab

Start with shared conventions before shared infrastructure:

  1. define project templates
  2. define storage tiers and retention rules
  3. define code review and version control expectations
  4. define note and documentation standards
  5. then introduce cloud services, shared runners, or internal packages

13.4 The long view

Your lab is never finished. It should become:

  • easier to explain
  • easier to recover
  • easier to extend
  • easier to trust

That is the real measure of progress.