Outlines the reference implementation of a specific Z-server and Z-client use in a testbed. Participants may choose to provide a single reference implementation or several different implementations depending on the scope of the testbed project. It is also important to note that since the reference implementation will also be used as test collection, it is important to be aware of what the collection contains, so search and retrieval scenarios can be developed.

a fully functional implementation of a specification in reference to which other implementations can be evaluated

a fully implemented version of a given specification

The prototype or "proof of concept" implementation of a Specification.

In computing, a reference implementation (or, infrequently, sample implementation) is a software example of a standard for use in helping others implement their own versions of the standard. A standard is much easier to understand with a working example in hand. The purpose of a reference implementation is generally to increase awareness and familiarization of the spec within the development community.