What’s the difference between a standard, a best practice, and a recommendation?

A standard is a formal specification with broad consensus and often mandatory implementation. RFC defined protocols are standards: deviating from them breaks compatibility. Standards define how things must work.

A best practice is a proven approach that experienced practitioners agree produces good results. M3AAWG documents describe best practices: following them improves outcomes but is not technically required. Best practices define how things should work.

A recommendation is guidance that may help in certain situations but lacks universal applicability. Recommendations are more contextual and advisory. Understanding this hierarchy helps prioritize: standards are mandatory, best practices strongly advised, recommendations worth considering.