diff --git a/.gitlab-ci.yml b/.gitlab-ci.yml
index 0f21f9a8c82ff95d8b69e573a977616ab61af60f..1d5626c0d93aaf99d418bd883f05ac18a0c41e60 100644
--- a/.gitlab-ci.yml
+++ b/.gitlab-ci.yml
@@ -3,10 +3,21 @@ include:
 
 
 stages:
-  - test
   - build
+  - test
+  - compile
   - release
 
+create_overall_md:
+  stage: build
+  image: alpine:3.7
+  script:
+    - cat technical-reference-main.txt | while read LINE; do cat $LINE >> test.md ; done
+  artifacts:
+    expose_as: 'test document'
+    paths:
+      - test.md
+
 tests:
   stage: test
   image: node:10
@@ -24,7 +35,7 @@ tests:
     - tags
 
 create_pdf:
-  stage: build
+  stage: compile
   image: pandoc/latex
   before_script:
     - pandoc --version
diff --git a/chapters/about.md b/chapters/about.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..39cb186db2e73cacb27c2e52c51ca87decad3764
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/about.md
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+# SUB FE Technical Reference
+
+## About This Document
+
+**Author**: Software Quality Working Group\
+\
+**Audience**: Developers of the Research and Development Department of the Göttingen State and University Library.
+\
+**Purpose**: This guideline should help you getting started a new software development project (or improving an
+existing one!) in the Research and Development Department of the Göttingen State and University Library.
+
+Our goal is to establish better software quality by following standards the developer team has mutually agreed upon.
+Roughly basing on the [EURISE Network Technical Reference](https://eurise-network.github.io/), these standards are
+discussed, worked out, and decided in the Software Quality Working Group, which meets biweekly on Tuesdays at
+13:00--14:00. However, they aren't cast in stone, so in case you have a good idea for a better standard, feel free to
+contribute!\
+\
+**Status**: This document is a living document and will be extended as soon as the Software Quality Working Group has
+agreed upon a new standard for software projects in RDD.
+TODOs and addenda of this document are maintained [here](https://github.com/subugoe/rdd-technical-reference/issues/).
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/chapters/bug-tracking.md b/chapters/bug-tracking.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..2df6d70aa3845ab6f003a10c2a8e28befdc07dce
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/bug-tracking.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+
+## Bug Tracking
+
+A bug tracking system is obligatory! Please use the respective bug tracking system of your repo and/or project
+management solution (please see chapter [Version Control](#version-control))!
diff --git a/chapters/build-ci.md b/chapters/build-ci.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..b797cdd43ed57ab020234c79a17a85c171596abb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/build-ci.md
@@ -0,0 +1,100 @@
+
+## Building Code and Continuous Integration
+
+### Building Code
+
+Ideally, we use build tools to conveniently get a software running.
+The reason for using a build tool is to be able to build and/or test a code project with one command (after checking
+out). Another reason is to include dependency management.
+
+#### Build tools we are using at the moment
+
+- **bash scripting**: (bdnPrint, FontanePrint)
+- **eXist**: Ant (SADE)
+- **Java**:
+
+- Maven (TextGrid)
+- gradle (TextGrid)
+
+- **JavaScript**:
+
+- bower (DARIAH-DE GeoBrowser, tgForms)
+- cake (tgForms)
+- NPM (DARIAH-DE Publikator, tgForms)
+- rake (DARIAH-DE GeoBrowser)
+
+- **Python**:
+
+- make (Sphinx documentation)
+- PIP (DiscussData)
+
+- **Ruby**: bundler (DARIAH status page)
+
+### Packaging
+
+#### CESSDA's Software Maturity Levels in RDD (CA5)
+
+##### MUST
+
+`MUST` be SML5, which is defined as follows:
+
+> Demonstrable usability: A Continuous Integration server job (or equivalent) is available to deploy the
+packaged/containerised software. Administrators are notified if deployment fails. Versions of deployed software can be
+upgraded/rolled back from a Continuous Integration server job (or equivalent). Data and/or index files can be restored
+from a Continuous Integration server job (or equivalent).
+
+##### Actions to Be Taken in RDD
+
+- examples for versions of deployed software: versioning of deb packages
+- examples for rollback: rebuild index ElasticSearch from source data, restore database backup
+
+### Continuous Integration
+
+We want to use CI as soon as possible in new projects. Please set up your GitLab project to show your pipeline-status
+and test-coverage for your default-branch under Settings/General->Badges.
+
+The generic links for all projects are:
+
+- Pipeline-status
+
+- Link: `https://gitlab.gwdg.de/%{project_path}/commits/%{default_branch}`
+- Badge image URL: `https://gitlab.gwdg.de/%{project_path}/badges/%{default_branch}/pipeline.svg?style=flat-square`
+
+- Test-coverage
+
+- Link: `https://gitlab.gwdg.de/%{project_path}/commits/%{default_branch}`
+- Badge image URL: `https://gitlab.gwdg.de/%{project_path}/badges/%{default_branch}/coverage.svg?style=flat-square`
+
+The workflows we are using currently in Jenkins and GitLab Runner are:
+
+- Code building
+- Testing
+- Code analyzer (Sonar)
+- Packaging (JAR, WAR, DEB, XAR)
+- Distribution (Nexus, APTLY repo, eXist repo)
+- Release Management (via GitLab Environments and gitflow)
+
+#### Sample Configuration of the GitLab Runner
+
+There is a [full and documented example](https://gitlab.gwdg.de/SADE/SADE/blob/develop/.gitlab-ci.yml) of how the
+GitLab Runner is used in SADE.
+
+#### Sample Configuration of the Jenkins CI (Multibranch Pipelines)
+
+- On commit and push to the <https://projects.gwdg.de> gitolite repo (such as
+<https://projects.gwdg.de/projects/tg-crud/repository>) Jenkins on [ci.de.dariah.eu](https://ci.de.dariah.eu/jenkins)
+is notified (see projects' gitolite configuration)
+
+- Jenkins then does a checkout and build of configured branches (see Jenkins' project's multibranch pipeline
+configuration such as <https://ci.de.dariah.eu/jenkins/job/DARIAH-DE-CRUD-Services>.
+
+- Stage *Preparation*: Prepare things
+
+- Stage *Build*: Build, JAR, WAR, and DEB packages from source code, deploy JAR and WAR packages to the [Nexus
+repo](https://nexus.gwdg.de). For further information on Nexus cf. [ci's server
+documentation](https://wiki.de.dariah.eu/display/FEAD/ci.de.dariah.eu). Jenkins is configured to deploy JARs and WARs
+via Maven and a Nexus deploy-account.
+
+- Stage *Publish*: Publish DEB packages to the [DARIAH-DE Aptly Repo](https://ci.de.dariah.eu/aptly). Jenkins is using
+a shared library of scripts and publishing is devided into four conditionals: TG version, DH version, SNAPSHOT version,
+or RELEASE version due to given version suffixes!
diff --git a/chapters/cessda-decisions.md b/chapters/cessda-decisions.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..db7546e6d43a8b7758d3862103ca46593c8c0c48
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/cessda-decisions.md
@@ -0,0 +1,152 @@
+
+## CESSDA – Decisions
+
+### CA3: Extensibility
+
+MUST be __SML3__:
+
+„Use is possible by most users: Future extensibility is designed into the system for a moderate range of use cases. The
+procedures for extending the software are defined, whether by source code modification or through the provision of some
+type of extension functionality (e.g., callback hooks or scripting capabilities). Where source code modification is
+part of the extension plan, the software is well-structured, has a moderate to high level of cohesion, and has
+configuration elements clearly separated from logic and display elements.“
+
+__Actions to Be Taken in RDD:__
+
+- Future extensibility is designed into the system
+- on RDD developer level
+- source code modification --> software is well-structured
+- provision of some type of extension functionality --> use of frameworks such as templating engines and localization
+frameworks
+- configuration elements clearly separated from logic and display elements
+- use SADE as example project
+
+### CA4: Modularity
+
+MUST be __SML3__:
+
+„Use is possible by most users: There is evidence that the architecture is open, with full structuring into individual
+components that provide functions or services to outside entities (i.e., open architecture); internal functions or
+services documented, but not consistently; modules have been created for generic functions, but modules have not been
+created for all of the specified functions; code within each module contains many independent logical paths.“
+
+SHOULD be __SML5__:
+
+„Demonstrable usability: It is evident that all functions and data are encapsulated into objects or accessible through
+web service interfaces. There is consistent error handling with meaningful messages and advice, and use of generic
+extensions to program languages for stronger type checking and compilation-time error checking. Services are available
+externally and code within each module contains few independent logical paths.“
+
+__Actions to Be Taken in RDD:__
+
+- we NEED consistent error handling with meaningful messages and advice
+- if specific errors can occur --> create explicit errors
+- return and input types must be defined if language allows types
+- think of possible reuse of internal methods --> make them externally available
+- one module serves one purpose
+
+### CA6: Portability
+
+(target platform: e.g. Docker container)
+
+MUST BE __SML5__:
+
+„Demonstrable usability: The software is completely portable to the target platform. In theory at least, the software
+will run on the target platform provided it is packaged/containerised.“
+
+__Actions to Be Taken in RDD:__
+
+- examples for target platforms: TextGridLab (Windows, Linux, Mac OS), Java Web Services (Web Application Server:
+Tomcat, etcpp), SADE (eXistDB, Linux, Windows), DiscussData-Django-App (jeder Host, für den Docker verfügbar ist)
+
+++ Michelle möchte, dass wir mehr über Docker sprechen! ++
+
+### CA7: Standards Compliance
+
+MUST BE __SML3__:
+
+„Use is possible by most users: The software and software development process comply with open, recognised or
+proprietary standards, but there is incomplete verification of compliance. Compliance to recognised standards has be
+tested but this may not be for all components. There is documented evidence of standards being used, but not of the
+verification of components.“
+
+__Actions to Be Taken in RDD:__
+
+- coding standards: code style, git (commit hooks), gitflow/gitlabflow, (semantic) versioning
+- software standards: documentation (JavaDoc, OpenAPI, etcpp), data and metadata formats, APIs (REST, SOAP, OAI-PMH,
+etcpp), license
+- CI standards: release workflow (?), deployment
+
+### CA8: Support
+
+MUST BE __SML1__:
+__Actions to Be Taken in RDD:__
+
+- an organizational e-mail-adress must be provided with the readme and in a convenient view, e.g. imprint/help/info
+etc.
+
+SHOULD BE __SML3__:
+__Actions to Be Taken in RDD:__
+
+- provide support "near" the source code (discussable)
+- by any means, provide it in *one* location
+- regular and planned releases
+
+### CA9: Verification and Testing
+
+__Actions to Be Taken in RDD:__
+
+- CESSDAs definitions seems a bit unclear to us
+- without referencing the SMLs we link our test chapter to CESSDAs document
+
+### CA10: Security
+
+MUST BE __SML2__:
+
+__Actions to Be Taken in RDD:__
+
+- every developer must have had a basic security training
+
+SHOULD BE __SML5__:
+
+__Actions to Be Taken in RDD:__
+
+- address security in every step of development (design, implementation, testing and verification, release)
+
+__TODO__:
+
+- mit AL über Training für alle Developer sprechen
+- Anforderungen an Softwaresicherheit formulieren
+- Training erarbeiten (mit Security-Issue-Liste beginnen)
+
+### CA11: Internationalisation and Localisation
+
+MUST BE __SML1,5__
+
+__Actions to Be Taken in RDD:__
+
+- locale awareness is a high requirement for software with a monolingual target audience but you must provide it in
+english (and/or the target language) at least
+
+SHOULD BE __SML3__
+
+__Actions to Be Taken in RDD:__
+
+- if applicable, i18n and l10n frameworks should be used
+
+nice to read:
+<https://bridge360blog.com/2011/11/25/software-design-considerations-for-internationalization-and-localization/>
+
+### CA12: Authentication and Authorisation
+
+MUST BE __SML2__
+SHOULD BE __SML4__
+
+In this case we cannot give a general recommendation since the way authentication and authorisation is implemented
+inherently depends on the software's functionality. Instead of developing an own solution rely on DARIAH's AAI whenever
+possible.
+
+__Actions to Be Taken in RDD:__
+
+- never share passwords
+- use Shibboleth whenever possible and reasonable
diff --git a/chapters/code-quality.md b/chapters/code-quality.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..fb03cd6ba6d50bc66812bb9cd0b4447e5ebe5de9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/code-quality.md
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+
+## Code quality level for RDD
+
+### Code Reviews
+
+We want to ensure code review for all major commits, in gitflow for everything
+that is subject to be merged into `develop`.
+
+For projects with more than one developer in the team it is preferred to have code
+reviews within the team, in other cases your friendly RDD developer team is
+on your side.
+
+The main idea is to invite all developers to a MR, at least 2 approvals needed for MR taking place. This way everybody
+gets the chance to have a look at other people's code.
+
+#### Sample Workflow: Code Reviews in SADE
+
+1. A developer decides to work on a feature. She commits her changes to a separate feature branch. After some time she
+finishes the feature and wants it to be integrated in the development branch.
+2. The developer creates a merge request and assigns everybody she sees fit to properly review her code.
+3. To avoid diffusion of responsibility, she also assigns one of the chosen assignees as MUST. This means that this
+person has to approve the MR, otherwise the merge cannot be done. Although GitLab sends notifications to everybody who
+is newly assigned to a MR, she should notify the MUST assignee personally (in case he or she doesn't notice the mail
+sent by GitLab).
+4. The MUST assignee reviews the changes according to style, variable naming, understandability, documentation
+provided, functionality, etc. If everything is to his or her liking, he or she approves the MR. The other assignees are
+free to review the code as well. **Note:** MRs without docs should not be accepted.
+5. After the MR has been (dis)approved, the assignee removes his- or herself from the list of assignees. The MUST
+assignee informs the developer over the review being finished.
+6. The developer merges her changes into the development branch.
+
+### Proof of Concept
+
+When preparing a proof of concept that is always labeled `poc`, a code review is
+not necessary.
diff --git a/chapters/deployment-maintenance.md b/chapters/deployment-maintenance.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..daa900ba5b06fd0a26a25d5fced9a8748780f267
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/deployment-maintenance.md
@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+
+## Deployment and Maintenance
+
+### Puppet
+
+For server configuration and setup we use puppet for most servers. The main puppet code is provided in GitLab
+<https://gitlab.gwdg.de/dariah-de-puppet>. The DARIAH-DE and TextGrid Repository module (dhrep) is contained in GitHub
+<https://github.com/DARIAH-DE/puppetmodule-dhrep>.
+
+### Monitoring
+
+- Icinga probes for DARIAH-DE services <https://icinga.de.dariah.eu/icinga>
+
+#### Real time statistics / metrics
+
+To view real time metrics from our servers or applications we use [Grafana](https://grafana.com/), which is available
+at <https://metrics.gwdg.de> inside GoeNet.
+Grafana retrieves its data from influxdb. [Telegraf](https://github.com/influxdata/telegraf) can be used to store data
+from the servers in that database. It is easy to enable telegraf on puppet configured servers. Telegraf stores metrics
+from the server in the influxdb.
+
+Some system statistics monitored by telegraf in our current puppet setup:
+
+- CPU
+- Memory
+- Space
+- Apache
+- ...
+
+Telegraf collects statistics with input plugins. A list of plugins is
+[available](https://github.com/influxdata/telegraf#input-plugins).
+
+### Release Management
diff --git a/chapters/documentation.md b/chapters/documentation.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..c4cf2441439889eac6575503523a9fac6ff64401
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/documentation.md
@@ -0,0 +1,147 @@
+
+## Documentation
+
+### Doc Sprints
+
+To ensure the best documentation of our code we meet on a weekly base for a code sprint to document everything we have
+coded throughout the week and haven't been able to document properly yet. The meeting takes place in the meeting room
+at 1pm. Cookies may be provided.
+
+### General Notions about Documentation
+
+- Don't document a language's specifics, e.g. operators.\
+*Example:* Use of `=>` in the XQuery expression `replace("qbc", "q", "b") => substring(1, 2)` MUST NOT be explained in
+a comment.
+- It is best to use a language's structure to document.
+- Write the best documentation you can.
+- Documentation and variable language is American English.
+- Docs should be as close to the code as possible.\
+This refers both to the documentation in a repository and in the code itself, e.g. inline documentation.
+- Every code repository MUST have:
+
+- a README.md file according to [this template](https://gist.github.com/PurpleBooth/109311bb0361f32d87a2) that
+contains
+- link to original repository (if the software is forked or otherwise based on preexisting software)
+- short introduction on what the repository is about
+- a guide how to get the software running (if makes sense)
+- link to demo instance
+- example or demo installation
+- link to license file
+- contribution guide
+- link to style guide
+- link to bug tracker/project management system
+- known issues
+- badges to CI status
+- a LICENSE file
+
+### Developer Documentation
+
+#### Software Architecture
+
+Each software project should be documented using an architecture diagram that helps understanding its basic
+functionality (even though using tools to generate diagrams such as UML class diagrams doesn't seem to be possible in
+every case).\
+
+*Examples:*
+
+- [Generating call graphs in eXist-db](https://gitlab.gwdg.de/SADE/SADE/tree/develop/modules/callgraph)
+
+Call diagrams can be useful to follow code and service calls and should be existing for every API method.
+
+#### API Documentation
+
+- The docs should comprise used parameters, author and @since annotations
+
+- [Example for Java](https://lab.sub.uni-goettingen.de/self-updating-docs.html)
+
+- Links to callers must not be listed in the documentation, because this info will be deprecated soon. It is strongly
+recommended to use call stacks of tools like Eclipse (Java) and/or Call Graph Module (SADE).
+
+- Document REST-APIs using [openAPI](https://github.com/OAI/OpenAPI-Specification) if possible. OpenAPI docs should be
+located at `/doc/api` on servers.
+
+#### CESSDA's Software Maturity Levels in RDD (CA1.3)
+
+##### MUST
+
+`MUST` be SML2, which is defined as follows:
+
+> There is external documentation that describes public API functionality and is sufficient to be used by an
+experienced developer. If available, source code is consistently and clearly commented. Source code naming conventions
+are adhered to and consistent.
+
+##### Actions to Be Taken in RDD
+
+- provide a fully documented public API, e.g. by using OpenAPI
+- naming conventions still have to be discussed --> style guide?
+- reference to style guide used in the CONTRIBUTING/README file?
+
+### Admin Documentation
+
+- The docs should comprise how to install the software, how to run and/or restart it, how to test the installation,
+...
+
+#### CESSDA's Software Maturity Levels in RDD (CA1.2)
+
+##### MUST
+
+`MUST` be SML3, which is defined as follows:
+
+> There is a deployment and configuration manual that can guide an experienced operational user through deployment,
+management and configuration of the software. Exception and failure messages are explained, but descriptions of
+solutions are not available. Documentation is consistent with current version of the software.
+
+##### Actions to Be Taken in RDD
+
+- deployment: short deployment descriptions can be provided in the README, more detailed explanations should be kept
+separately (such as INSTALL(.md), linked from README)
+- exception and failure messages are described in doc strings/function annotations
+- function documentation should be generated automatically and made available/searchable in the web (such as
+readthedocs, javadoc html, etc. pp.)
+
+### Server Documentation
+
+This type of documentation is provided and maintained in our DARIAH wiki space.\
+
+We have a template encompassing all information necessary: To create a wiki page for a new server navigate to the FE
+Server list, select "..." right beside the "Create" button and search for "FE-Server".
+
+### User Documentation
+
+This may encompass:
+
+- how to use the software and APIs, FAQs, walkthroughs, ...
+
+- guided tour (Bootstrap Tour) as user documentation
+
+- for SADE portal usage (such as Fontane, BdN, Architrave)
+- for complex Digital Editions
+
+- screencasts
+
+#### CESSDA's Software Maturity Levels in RDD (CA1.1)
+
+##### MUST
+
+`MUST` be SML2, which is defined as follows:
+
+> There is external documentation that is accessible and sufficient for an expert user to configure and use the
+software for the user’s individual needs. Terminology and methodology is not explained.
+
+##### Actions to Be Taken in RDD
+
+- a README(.md) has to be available in the source code repository (cf. [General Notions about
+Documentation](#general-notions-about-documentation))
+
+##### SHOULD
+
+`SHOULD` be SML3, which is defined as follows:
+
+> There is a user manual that can guide a reasonably skilled user through use and customisation of the software to the
+user’s individual requirements. Documentation is consistent with current version of the software.
+
+##### Actions to Be Taken in RDD
+
+- a more detailed explanation is available for the user at some place (such as user guide in wikis, etc. pp.)
+- docs should also be provided in a `docs` directory in the source code repository
+- docs are revised regularly during our doc sprints
diff --git a/chapters/explanatory-notes.md b/chapters/explanatory-notes.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..b8543d40bf044bd897a78f88f1a9bd1ae9d08dbe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/explanatory-notes.md
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+
+## Explanatory Notes
+
+**CESSDA's Software Maturity Levels (SML)**: Several organizations already have put a lot of work into developing
+metrics for good software. Since we didn't want to reinvent the wheel, we decided to adapt (and modify if need be) a
+metric which suits our needs. [CESSDA](https://www.cessda.eu/) is one of the ERICs, and although it focuses on Social
+Sciences it has similar requirements regarding its software.
+
+Throughout the document you will find sections with the heading "CESSDA's Software Maturity Levels in RDD" in which we
+describe which of the SMLs we aim for and how we want to implement it.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/chapters/intellectual-property.md b/chapters/intellectual-property.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..7e85260ed2ad107780b754705b784c74f4c9fdb9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/intellectual-property.md
@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+
+## Intellectual Property
+
+### Licensing
+
+- clarify software license before programming
+
+- add license to code header
+
+Best practice is to maintain a file listing all third-party packages that are
+part of the software. This list should hold the following metadata and `SHOULD` be
+prepared like the table below, always in alphanumeric order.
+
+```nat
+| name | license | origin             |
+|------|---------|--------------------|
+| foo  | barware | github.com/foo/bar |
+```
+
+Maybe the `license-maven` plugin will help you.
+
+#### CESSDA's Software Maturity Levels in RDD (CA2)
+
+##### MUST
+
+`MUST` be SML5, which is defined as follows:
+
+> There are multiple statements embedded into the software product describing unrestricted rights and any conditions
+for use, including commercial and non-commercial use, and the recommended citation. The list of developers is embedded
+in the source code of the product, in the documentation, and in the expression of the software upon execution. The
+intellectual property rights statements are expressed in legal language, machine-readable code, and in concise
+statements in language that can be understood by laypersons, such as a pre-written, recognisable license.
+
+##### Actions to Be Taken in RDD
+
+- see rdd-technical-reference for choosing the license
+- source code: use OSI approved licenses? (see <https://opensource.org/licenses)> (++TODO discuss in fe-develop++) (how
+to chose a license?:
+<http://freesoftwaremagazine.com/articles/choosing_and_using_free_licenses_software_hardware_and_aesthetic_works/fig_choosing_license.jpg)>
+- assets: CC0? CC-BY-SA? (++TODO discuss in fe-develop++)
+- we reach SML5 by providing a license file on root level containing the license text (GPL wants its license text in a
+file called COPYING [see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-howto.de.html>] other licenses use LICENSE)
+- if the license text is not contained in the license file, we provide the full license text in another file
+(++TODO++)
+(<https://softdev4research.github.io/4OSS-lesson/03-use-license/index.html#add-a-licence-file-to-a-repository)>
+- in the source code header the license statement is added to every file. GPL example:
+
+```nat
+This file is part of FOOBAR.
+
+FOOBAR is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+(at your option) any later version.
+
+FOOBAR is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+GNU General Public License for more details.
+
+You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+along with FOOBAR.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+```
+
+- the names of all contributed developers are stored in a contributors file on root level (every user that has
+committed in the repository)
+- in the source code the contributors are added to each class/method/function/file/etcpp
+- “and in the expression of the software upon execution“ -- if applicable
diff --git a/chapters/links.md b/chapters/links.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..1edbd2dda3691ae22fb5b91433d26b93c5db2c9d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/links.md
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+
+## Helpful Links and References
+
+- EURISE-network technical-reference:\
+<https://github.com/eurise-network/technical-reference>
+
+- DHTech -- An international grass-roots community of Digital Humanities software engineers:\
+<https://dh-tech.github.io>
+
+- The Software Sustainability Institute, Guidelines and Publications:\
+<https://www.software.ac.uk>
+
+- The Joel Test: 12 Steps to Better Code:\
+<https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2000/08/09/the-joel-test-12-steps-to-better-code>
+
+- Software Quality Guidelines:\
+<https://github.com/CLARIAH/software-quality-guidelines>
+
+- Software Testing Levels:\
+<http://softwaretestingfundamentals.com/software-testing-levels>
+
+- Netherlands eScience Center Guide\
+<https://guide.esciencecenter.nl>
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/chapters/retirement.md b/chapters/retirement.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..eae8b33d511f8e91d165cb3df5237a38f7318bbf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/retirement.md
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+
+## Retirement of Software
+
+- clarify if software is no longer supported
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/chapters/software-tests.md b/chapters/software-tests.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..6621d2865de34352db214391bbf7dd9d20027c39
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/software-tests.md
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+
+## Software Tests
+
+We aim to have a test coverage of **100%** (except for getter and setter methods). This is understood on a component
+level, which means that every method should have at least one test. Whether you achieve this by Test Driven Development
+(TDD) or not is specific to your preferred way to work.
+
+Please keep in mind not only to write a test for each of your functions but also
+to consider all possible outcomes. It is e.g. not sufficient to test if a function
+creates a file if the written content depends on variables etc.
+
+Examples for writing tests in different programming languages are:
+
+- [**XQuery**](https://gist.github.com/joewiz/fa32be80749a69fcb8da)
diff --git a/chapters/style-guides.md b/chapters/style-guides.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..b3bae811988d352347df11cbb325c3ccf4a4800f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/style-guides.md
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+
+## Style Guides
+
+### General
+
+The basic definitions are given by our [EditorConfig](http://editorconfig.org/) file, `.editorconfig`,
+i.e. Unix line breaks and 2 space indentation.
+
+### For Specific Programming Languages
+
+For the more prominent programming languages we have formatting and general style guides we ask you to follow:
+
+- **Java**: The Java style guide can be found [here](./styles/rdd-eclipse-java-google-style.xml). It's based on the
+[Google style guide for Java](https://github.com/google/styleguide) with some minor RDD specific settings. You can
+configure Eclipse to use it automatically at *Eclipse &gt; Preferences &gt; Java &gt; Code Style &gt; Formatter*. Just
+load the [RDD Eclipse Java Google
+Style](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/subugoe/rdd-technical-reference/master/styles/rdd-eclipse-java-google-style.xml)
+in the formatter preferences and use it in your RDD projects.
+
+- **JavaScript**: For JS we use the [Airbnb JavaScript Style Guide](https://github.com/airbnb/javascript).
+
+- **HTML/CSS**: For HTML/CSS we agreed upon the [Google HTML/CSS Style
+Guide](https://google.github.io/styleguide/htmlcssguide.html).
+
+- **XQuery**: We use the [xqdoc style guide](http://xqdoc.org/xquery-style.pdf) with the following addenda:
+
+- use double quotes instead of single quotes (for easy escaping)
+- use four spaces for a TAB (because eXide switching the preferences in eXide's setting isn't permanent)
+
+- **XSLT**: Since there is no official style guide for XSLT, we decided to write
+[our own](https://github.com/subugoe/rdd-technical-reference/tree/master/style-guides/rdd-xslt.md), resulting from
+common best practices and own experiences within
+the department.
+
+- **Python**: For Python [PEP 8](https://www.python.org/dev/peps/pep-0008/) should be used, Django has a style guide
+based on PEP-8 with some exceptions:
+[Django-Styleguide](https://docs.djangoproject.com/en/dev/internals/contributing/writing-code/coding-style/). There are
+linters and tools like [flake-8](https://pypi.org/project/flake8/) and [pep-8](https://pypi.org/project/pep8/)
+available as support.
+
+- **SPARQL**: For SPARQL there is not really any official style guide and there is no possibility to simply include any
+code style automatically using a code style file. We just collect some advice how to format and use SPARQL code
+[here](https://github.com/subugoe/rdd-technical-reference/tree/master/style-guides/rdd-sparql.md).
diff --git a/chapters/version-control.md b/chapters/version-control.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..797f96ccc2ce74fa743a8bddfeecb17edb3c4154
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/version-control.md
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+
+## Version Control
+
+We exclusively use `git` in RDD. Please see <https://git-scm.com/doc> for information on how it works.
+
+We recommend to use the [Git flow
+Workflow](https://www.atlassian.com/git/tutorials/comparing-workflows/gitflow-workflow) (also consult the [Cheat
+Sheet](https://danielkummer.github.io/git-flow-cheatsheet)).
+
+For using `git flow` it is safest to protect your `master` and `develop` branch on server side to avoid accidental
+pushes into these branches. All specific branches working on an issue described in a bug tracker may utilize the
+following naming scheme:\
+\
+`[track]/#[ISSUENUMBER]-[KEYWORD]`\
+\
+e.g. `bugfix/#12-flux-capacitor`.
+
+A GitHub workflow used in DARIAH-DE and related services is described in the [DARIAH-DE
+Wiki](https://wiki.de.dariah.eu/display/DARIAH3/DARIAH-DE+Release+Management#DARIAH-DEReleaseManagement-Beispielmitdevelop-undmaster-Branch(Gitflow)).
+
+You could also use the [GitLab flow](https://docs.gitlab.com/ee/topics/gitlab_flow.html) as a simpler alternative,
+which can be broken down into [11 Rules](https://about.gitlab.com/blog/2016/07/27/the-11-rules-of-gitlab-flow/).
+
+It is also recommended to automatically close issues via commit message; How this works exactly depends on the Git
+repository server. Issues can also be [referenced across
+repositories](https://help.github.com/articles/autolinked-references-and-urls/#commit-shas).
+
+We use the following Git servers at the moment in RDD:
+
+- Projects (GWDG) --> <https://projects.gwdg.de>
+- GitLab (GWDG) --> <https://gitlab.gwdg.de>
+- github.org --> <https://github.com/subugoe>
+
+Which one is suitable for you depends on:
+
+- the project you are working on
+- existing code
+- whether or not you want to use CI/CD or GitLab Runners
+- ...
+
+We have got an [RDD team on GitHub](https://github.com/orgs/subugoe/teams/fe). Feel free to join us!
+
+Consider mirroring of repos for project visibility (e.g. mirror GitLab/Projects code to GitHub?)
diff --git a/chapters/yaml-header.md b/chapters/yaml-header.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..1bd71adff2780facfb612b11192a5b17ee7db780
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapters/yaml-header.md
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+---
+title: 'SUB RDD Technical Reference'
+...
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/technical-reference-main.txt b/technical-reference-main.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000..87092bd5eaec82269c413e8e7bb460f160e764fa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/technical-reference-main.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+chapters/about.md
+chapters/explanatory-notes.md
+chapters/style-guides.md
+chapters/documentation.md
+chapters/version-control.md
+chapters/bug-tracking.md
+chapters/software-tests.md
+chapters/build-ci.md
+chapters/deployment-maintenance.md
+chapters/code-quality.md
+chapters/intellectual-property.md
+chapters/retirement.md
+chapters/cessda-decisions.md
+chapters/links.md