# Intermediate Representation **Domain:** Compilers / AI / Workflow Systems **Doc Type:** Canonical Concept Node **Maturity:** Core Design Principle **Related:** [[wiki/Domain-Specific Language|Domain-Specific Language]], [[wiki/Natural Language to DSL Compilation|Natural Language to DSL Compilation]], [[wiki/Permissioned Capability|Permissioned Capability]] --- ## Definition **An intermediate representation (IR) is a structured form between source intention and execution.** It is explicit enough to validate, inspect, transform, authorize, and reproduce even when the original instruction was ambiguous or the final host differs. ## XDO Context DO can serve as the IR between a natural-language request and registered X capabilities. An AI system may propose a DO program, but the program can be reviewed, schema-checked, permissioned, and executed independently of the model session that produced it. ## Key Insight **The IR is where expressive intention becomes governable structure.** ## See Also [[wiki/Capability Registry|Capability Registry]], [[wiki/Normalized Output|Normalized Output]], [[wiki/Error Behavior|Error Behavior]], [[wiki/Technical Terms|Technical Terms]]