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+# QuickFIX/J Project Guidelines
+
+## Project Overview
+
+QuickFIX/J is a full-featured messaging engine for the FIX protocol. It is a 100% Java open source implementation of the popular QuickFIX engine. This document provides guidelines for contributing to and working with the QuickFIX/J project.
+
+## Development Environment
+
+### Prerequisites
+
+- Java JDK 8 or higher
+- Maven 3.6.x or higher
+- Git
+
+### Setting Up Development Environment
+
+1. Clone the repository:
+   ```
+   git clone https://github.com/quickfix-j/quickfixj.git
+   cd quickfixj
+   ```
+
+2. Build the project:
+   ```
+   ./mvnw clean package -Dmaven.javadoc.skip=true -PskipBundlePlugin,minimal-fix-latest
+   ```
+
+## Coding Standards
+
+### Java Code Style
+
+- Follow standard Java naming conventions
+- Use 4 spaces for indentation (no tabs)
+- Maximum line length of 120 characters
+- Include JavaDoc for all public classes and methods
+- Use meaningful variable and method names
+
+### Commit Guidelines
+
+- Write clear, concise commit messages
+- Use present tense ("Add feature" not "Added feature")
+- Reference issue numbers when applicable
+- Keep commits focused on a single logical change
+
+## Pull Request Process
+
+1. Create a feature branch from the main branch
+2. Make your changes following the coding standards
+3. Add or update tests as necessary
+4. Ensure all tests pass with `./mvnw test`
+5. Submit a pull request with a clear description of the changes
+
+## Testing Guidelines
+
+- Write unit tests for all new code
+- Ensure existing tests pass before submitting changes
+- Integration tests should be included for significant features
+- Test edge cases and error conditions
+
+## Documentation
+
+- Update documentation for any changed functionality
+- Document public APIs with JavaDoc
+- Keep README and other documentation up to date
+
+## Issue Reporting
+
+When reporting issues, please include:
+
+- A clear description of the problem
+- Steps to reproduce
+- Expected vs. actual behavior
+- Version information (QuickFIX/J version, Java version, OS)
+- Any relevant logs or error messages
+
+## Release Process
+
+- Version numbers follow semantic versioning (MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH)
+- Release notes should document all significant changes
+- Releases are built and deployed using Maven
+
+## Community Guidelines
+
+- Be respectful and inclusive in all communications
+- Help others when possible
+- Follow the code of conduct
+- Give credit where it's due
+
+## License
+
+QuickFIX/J is licensed under the QuickFIX Software License, Version 1.0. All contributions must be compatible with this license.