Overview#
RFC 2119 is a
RFC describing Key words for use in
RFCs to Indicate Requirement Levels
We refer you to the full text
.
RFC 8174 by clarifying that only UPPERCASE usage of the key words have the defined special meanings. RFC 8174 document is part of BCP 14.
RFC 2119 includes:
Guidance in the use of these Imperatives#
Imperatives of the type defined in this memo must be used with care and sparingly. In particular, they
MUST only be used where it is actually required for interoperation or to limit behavior which has potential for causing harm (e.g., limiting retransmissions) For example, they must not be used to try to impose a particular method on implementors where the method is not required for interoperability.
These terms are frequently used to specify behavior with security implications. The effects on security of not implementing a
MUST or
SHOULD, or doing something the specification says
MUST NOT or
SHOULD NOT be done may be very subtle. Document authors should take the time to elaborate the security implications of not following recommendations or requirements as most implementors will not have had the benefit of the experience and discussion that produced the specification.
There might be more information for this subject on one of the following:
