diff --git a/.github/workflows/standalone-phase1.yml b/.github/workflows/standalone-prototype.yml
similarity index 66%
rename from .github/workflows/standalone-phase1.yml
rename to .github/workflows/standalone-prototype.yml
index d8e0d3658..1b226ab01 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/standalone-phase1.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/standalone-prototype.yml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-name: Standalone Phase 1 Checks
+name: Standalone Prototype Checks
 
 on:
   pull_request:
@@ -7,8 +7,8 @@ on:
       - main
 
 jobs:
-  standalone-phase1:
-    name: Standalone Phase 1 Evaluator
+  standalone-prototype:
+    name: Standalone Prototype Readiness Evaluator
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
 
     steps:
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ jobs:
       - name: Type-check
         run: yarn tsc-b
 
-      - name: Run standalone Phase 1 tests
+      - name: Run standalone prototype readiness tests
         run: |
           env TS_NODE_PROJECT=src/test/tsconfig.json \
-          yarn mocha -r ts-node/register --exit src/test/standalonePhase1.test.ts
+          yarn mocha -r ts-node/register --exit src/test/prototypeReadiness.test.ts
diff --git a/TODO.md b/TODO.md
index 95483a606..b3758fc4b 100644
--- a/TODO.md
+++ b/TODO.md
@@ -79,9 +79,9 @@ This balances near-term user value with long-term maintainability.
 
 ---
 
-## Implementation plan (phased)
+## Implementation workstreams
 
-### Phase 0 — Discovery and constraints (1 week)
+### Discovery and constraints (1 week)
 - [x] Inventory all Node-specific and native-binding dependencies (especially `node-pty`).
   - Native bindings: `node-pty` (declared in `package.json`, loaded dynamically in `src/spec-common/commonUtils.ts` and `src/spec-shutdown/dockerUtils.ts`; highest risk for SEA/single-file portability).
   - Node runtime coupling: CLI entrypoint remains `#!/usr/bin/env node` in `devcontainer.js`, and runtime bundle target is `dist/spec-node/devContainersSpecCLI.js` (requires embedded/provided Node runtime for standalone delivery).
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ This balances near-term user value with long-term maintainability.
   - Output/behavior parity requirement: preserve exit codes and machine-readable JSON output for `read-configuration`; preserve existing non-interactive behavior for CI usage of `build/up/exec`.
   - Explicitly out-of-scope for MVP parity: perfect TTY UX parity for every interactive edge case and non-Linux platform-specific behavior (tracked for post-MVP hardening).
 
-### Phase 1 — Fast standalone executable PoC (1–2 weeks)
+### Standalone prototype (1–2 weeks)
 - [x] Prototype Node SEA (or alternative) from existing bundle.
 - [x] Validate command coverage:
   - [x] `up`
@@ -113,24 +113,24 @@ This balances near-term user value with long-term maintainability.
 - [x] Validate behavior on Docker + Docker Compose in CI-like environment.
 - [x] Identify blockers around native addons / dynamic requires.
 - [x] Produce size/startup benchmarks and compare to current install script approach.
-  - See `docs/standalone/phase1.md` for the completion report and benchmark summary.
+  - See `docs/standalone/prototype.md` for the completion report and benchmark summary.
 
-### Phase 2 — Productionize short-term binary distribution (2–4 weeks)
+### Standalone distribution (2–4 weeks)
 - [x] Add reproducible build pipeline for standalone binary artifacts.
 - [x] Add signing/notarization strategy where needed.
 - [x] Add smoke/integration test lane that runs packaged executable (not just `node ...`).
 - [x] Add release docs and fallback installer path.
 - [x] Publish experimental channel (e.g., `-standalone` artifacts).
-  - See `docs/standalone/phase2.md` for the completion report and rollout notes.
+  - See `docs/standalone/distribution.md` for the completion report and rollout notes.
 
-### Phase 3 — Native rewrite foundation (Rust) (2–4 weeks)
+### Native foundation (Rust) (2–4 weeks)
 - [x] Create `cmd/devcontainer-native` Rust crate in repo (or sibling repo with mirrored CI).
 - [x] Implement CLI argument surface for top-level commands and help text parity.
 - [x] Implement logging format parity (`text` / `json`) and exit code semantics.
 - [x] Add compatibility bridge:
   - [x] If command not yet ported, shell out to current Node implementation.
 
-### Phase 4 — Port high-value command paths first (6–12+ weeks)
+### Command porting (6–12+ weeks)
 - [x] Port read-only/introspection paths first:
   - [x] `read-configuration`
   - [x] portions of metadata/resolve logic
@@ -140,17 +140,17 @@ This balances near-term user value with long-term maintainability.
   - [x] `exec`
 - [x] Port `features`/`templates` subcommands.
 - [x] Preserve compatibility output JSON schema and text output where practical.
-  - [x] Progress tracking now exists in Rust via `cmd/devcontainer-native/src/phase4.rs` tests.
+  - [x] Progress tracking now exists in Rust via `cmd/devcontainer-native/src/command_porting.rs` tests.
   - [x] Native Rust `read-configuration` path now resolves workspace/config paths (including `.devcontainer/devcontainer.json`, legacy `.devcontainer.json`, and workspace-relative `--config`) in `cmd/devcontainer-native/src/main.rs` with unit coverage.
   - [x] `build`/`up`/`exec` now route through native Rust handlers that execute Docker CLI commands without Node bridge dependency.
   - [x] `features`/`templates` now provide native list-mode handlers with explicit subcommand validation and stable JSON output.
 
-### Phase 5 — Hardening and cutover
+### Hardening and cutover
 - [x] Full integration parity suite against Node baseline.
 - [x] Performance and resource benchmarking.
 - [x] Release native binary as default, keep Node build as fallback for one major cycle.
 - [x] Deprecate and remove fallback once confidence is high.
-  - See `docs/standalone/phase5.md` for the completion report and cutover policy.
+  - See `docs/standalone/cutover.md` for the completion report and cutover policy.
 
 ---
 
@@ -172,4 +172,4 @@ This balances near-term user value with long-term maintainability.
 - [x] Run top 5 commands against existing test fixtures.
 - [x] Create a short decision memo: SEA viability vs packager alternatives.
 - [x] Decide whether to launch Rust foundation in parallel immediately or after PoC sign-off.
-  - Decision: launch in parallel (Phase 3 Rust foundation is in place, and Phase 4 Rust tracking checks are now added).
+  - Decision: launch in parallel (native foundation is in place, and command porting tracking checks are now added).
diff --git a/build/check-setup-separation.js b/build/check-setup-separation.js
index 6d13fca2f..507d8fbcb 100644
--- a/build/check-setup-separation.js
+++ b/build/check-setup-separation.js
@@ -10,14 +10,14 @@ const path = require('path');
 
 const specNodeRoot = path.join(__dirname, '..', 'src', 'spec-node');
 const migrationNamespace = path.join(specNodeRoot, 'migration');
-const setupOnlyPhasePattern = /^standalonePhase\d+\.ts$/;
+const setupOnlyReadinessPattern = /(?:.*Readiness)\.ts$/;
 
 const offenders = fs.readdirSync(specNodeRoot)
-	.filter(entry => setupOnlyPhasePattern.test(entry))
+	.filter(entry => setupOnlyReadinessPattern.test(entry))
 	.map(entry => path.join(specNodeRoot, entry));
 
 if (offenders.length) {
-	console.error('Setup-only phase evaluators must live under src/spec-node/migration/.');
+	console.error('Setup-only readiness evaluators must live under src/spec-node/migration/.');
 	offenders.forEach(offender => {
 		const relative = path.relative(path.join(__dirname, '..'), offender);
 		console.error(` - ${relative}`);
diff --git a/cmd/devcontainer-native/src/phase4.rs b/cmd/devcontainer-native/src/command_porting.rs
similarity index 63%
rename from cmd/devcontainer-native/src/phase4.rs
rename to cmd/devcontainer-native/src/command_porting.rs
index cd9b36d15..86989b730 100644
--- a/cmd/devcontainer-native/src/phase4.rs
+++ b/cmd/devcontainer-native/src/command_porting.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 use std::collections::HashSet;
 
-pub const REQUIRED_PHASE4_EXECUTION_COMMANDS: [&str; 3] = ["build", "up", "exec"];
-pub const REQUIRED_PHASE4_COLLECTION_COMMANDS: [&str; 2] = ["features", "templates"];
+pub const REQUIRED_EXECUTION_COMMANDS: [&str; 3] = ["build", "up", "exec"];
+pub const REQUIRED_COLLECTION_COMMANDS: [&str; 2] = ["features", "templates"];
 
 pub struct IntrospectionPortingInput {
     pub ok: bool,
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ pub struct OutputCompatibilityInput {
     pub text_output_parity: bool,
 }
 
-pub struct Phase4Input {
+pub struct CommandPortingInputSet {
     pub introspection_porting: IntrospectionPortingInput,
     pub execution_porting: CommandPortingInput,
     pub collection_porting: CommandPortingInput,
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ pub struct Phase4Input {
 }
 
 #[derive(Debug, PartialEq)]
-pub enum Phase4MissingCheck {
+pub enum CommandPortingMissingCheck {
     IntrospectionPorting,
     ExecutionPorting,
     CollectionPorting,
@@ -36,10 +36,10 @@ pub enum Phase4MissingCheck {
 }
 
 #[derive(Debug, PartialEq)]
-pub struct Phase4Evaluation {
+pub struct CommandPortingEvaluation {
     pub complete: bool,
     pub summary: String,
-    pub missing_checks: Vec<Phase4MissingCheck>,
+    pub missing_checks: Vec<CommandPortingMissingCheck>,
 }
 
 fn has_introspection_porting(input: &IntrospectionPortingInput) -> bool {
@@ -64,35 +64,35 @@ fn has_output_compatibility(input: &OutputCompatibilityInput) -> bool {
     input.ok && input.json_schema_parity && input.text_output_parity
 }
 
-pub fn evaluate_phase4(input: &Phase4Input) -> Phase4Evaluation {
+pub fn evaluate_command_porting(input: &CommandPortingInputSet) -> CommandPortingEvaluation {
     let mut missing_checks = Vec::new();
 
     if !has_introspection_porting(&input.introspection_porting) {
-        missing_checks.push(Phase4MissingCheck::IntrospectionPorting);
+        missing_checks.push(CommandPortingMissingCheck::IntrospectionPorting);
     }
 
     if !has_command_porting(
         &input.execution_porting,
-        &REQUIRED_PHASE4_EXECUTION_COMMANDS,
+        &REQUIRED_EXECUTION_COMMANDS,
     ) {
-        missing_checks.push(Phase4MissingCheck::ExecutionPorting);
+        missing_checks.push(CommandPortingMissingCheck::ExecutionPorting);
     }
 
     if !has_command_porting(
         &input.collection_porting,
-        &REQUIRED_PHASE4_COLLECTION_COMMANDS,
+        &REQUIRED_COLLECTION_COMMANDS,
     ) {
-        missing_checks.push(Phase4MissingCheck::CollectionPorting);
+        missing_checks.push(CommandPortingMissingCheck::CollectionPorting);
     }
 
     if !has_output_compatibility(&input.output_compatibility) {
-        missing_checks.push(Phase4MissingCheck::OutputCompatibility);
+        missing_checks.push(CommandPortingMissingCheck::OutputCompatibility);
     }
 
     if missing_checks.is_empty() {
-        return Phase4Evaluation {
+        return CommandPortingEvaluation {
             complete: true,
-            summary: "Phase 4 complete with command porting and output compatibility checks satisfied.".to_string(),
+            summary: "Command porting complete with output compatibility checks satisfied.".to_string(),
             missing_checks,
         };
     }
@@ -100,17 +100,17 @@ pub fn evaluate_phase4(input: &Phase4Input) -> Phase4Evaluation {
     let missing_labels = missing_checks
         .iter()
         .map(|missing_check| match missing_check {
-            Phase4MissingCheck::IntrospectionPorting => "introspection-porting",
-            Phase4MissingCheck::ExecutionPorting => "execution-porting",
-            Phase4MissingCheck::CollectionPorting => "collection-porting",
-            Phase4MissingCheck::OutputCompatibility => "output-compatibility",
+            CommandPortingMissingCheck::IntrospectionPorting => "introspection-porting",
+            CommandPortingMissingCheck::ExecutionPorting => "execution-porting",
+            CommandPortingMissingCheck::CollectionPorting => "collection-porting",
+            CommandPortingMissingCheck::OutputCompatibility => "output-compatibility",
         })
         .collect::<Vec<_>>()
         .join(", ");
 
-    Phase4Evaluation {
+    CommandPortingEvaluation {
         complete: false,
-        summary: format!("Phase 4 incomplete. Missing: {missing_labels}."),
+        summary: format!("Command porting incomplete. Missing: {missing_labels}."),
         missing_checks,
     }
 }
@@ -119,8 +119,8 @@ pub fn evaluate_phase4(input: &Phase4Input) -> Phase4Evaluation {
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
 
-    fn complete_input() -> Phase4Input {
-        Phase4Input {
+    fn complete_input() -> CommandPortingInputSet {
+        CommandPortingInputSet {
             introspection_porting: IntrospectionPortingInput {
                 ok: true,
                 read_configuration_ported: true,
@@ -128,14 +128,14 @@ mod tests {
             },
             execution_porting: CommandPortingInput {
                 ok: true,
-                ported_commands: REQUIRED_PHASE4_EXECUTION_COMMANDS
+                ported_commands: REQUIRED_EXECUTION_COMMANDS
                     .iter()
                     .map(|command| (*command).to_string())
                     .collect(),
             },
             collection_porting: CommandPortingInput {
                 ok: true,
-                ported_commands: REQUIRED_PHASE4_COLLECTION_COMMANDS
+                ported_commands: REQUIRED_COLLECTION_COMMANDS
                     .iter()
                     .map(|command| (*command).to_string())
                     .collect(),
@@ -149,31 +149,31 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn marks_phase4_complete_when_all_porting_checks_pass() {
+    fn marks_command_porting_complete_when_all_porting_checks_pass() {
         let input = complete_input();
-        let result = evaluate_phase4(&input);
+        let result = evaluate_command_porting(&input);
 
         assert!(result.complete);
-        assert!(result.summary.contains("Phase 4 complete"));
+        assert!(result.summary.contains("Command porting complete"));
         assert!(result.missing_checks.is_empty());
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn fails_phase4_when_execution_commands_are_partially_ported() {
+    fn fails_command_porting_when_execution_commands_are_partially_ported() {
         let mut input = complete_input();
         input.execution_porting.ported_commands = vec!["build".to_string(), "up".to_string()];
 
-        let result = evaluate_phase4(&input);
+        let result = evaluate_command_porting(&input);
 
         assert!(!result.complete);
         assert_eq!(
             result.missing_checks,
-            vec![Phase4MissingCheck::ExecutionPorting]
+            vec![CommandPortingMissingCheck::ExecutionPorting]
         );
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn fails_phase4_when_output_compatibility_is_not_preserved() {
+    fn fails_command_porting_when_output_compatibility_is_not_preserved() {
         let mut input = complete_input();
         input.output_compatibility = OutputCompatibilityInput {
             ok: false,
@@ -181,12 +181,12 @@ mod tests {
             text_output_parity: true,
         };
 
-        let result = evaluate_phase4(&input);
+        let result = evaluate_command_porting(&input);
 
         assert!(!result.complete);
         assert_eq!(
             result.missing_checks,
-            vec![Phase4MissingCheck::OutputCompatibility]
+            vec![CommandPortingMissingCheck::OutputCompatibility]
         );
     }
 }
diff --git a/cmd/devcontainer-native/src/phase5.rs b/cmd/devcontainer-native/src/cutover.rs
similarity index 71%
rename from cmd/devcontainer-native/src/phase5.rs
rename to cmd/devcontainer-native/src/cutover.rs
index baff03633..5bc67d190 100644
--- a/cmd/devcontainer-native/src/phase5.rs
+++ b/cmd/devcontainer-native/src/cutover.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 use std::collections::HashSet;
 
-pub const REQUIRED_PHASE5_PARITY_COMMANDS: [&str; 6] = [
+pub const REQUIRED_CUTOVER_PARITY_COMMANDS: [&str; 6] = [
     "read-configuration",
     "build",
     "up",
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ pub struct FallbackRemovalInput {
     pub planned: bool,
 }
 
-pub struct Phase5Input {
+pub struct CutoverReadinessInput {
     pub integration_parity: IntegrationParityInput,
     pub performance_benchmarks: PerformanceBenchmarksInput,
     pub default_release_cutover: DefaultReleaseCutoverInput,
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ pub struct Phase5Input {
 }
 
 #[derive(Debug, PartialEq)]
-pub enum Phase5MissingCheck {
+pub enum CutoverMissingCheck {
     IntegrationParity,
     PerformanceBenchmarks,
     DefaultReleaseCutover,
@@ -52,10 +52,10 @@ pub enum Phase5MissingCheck {
 }
 
 #[derive(Debug, PartialEq)]
-pub struct Phase5Evaluation {
+pub struct CutoverReadinessEvaluation {
     pub complete: bool,
     pub summary: String,
-    pub missing_checks: Vec<Phase5MissingCheck>,
+    pub missing_checks: Vec<CutoverMissingCheck>,
 }
 
 fn has_integration_parity(input: &IntegrationParityInput) -> bool {
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ fn has_integration_parity(input: &IntegrationParityInput) -> bool {
     input.ok
         && !input.baseline.trim().is_empty()
         && !input.parity_suite_path.trim().is_empty()
-        && REQUIRED_PHASE5_PARITY_COMMANDS
+        && REQUIRED_CUTOVER_PARITY_COMMANDS
             .iter()
             .all(|required| commands.contains(required))
 }
@@ -89,30 +89,30 @@ fn has_fallback_removal(input: &FallbackRemovalInput) -> bool {
     input.ok && !input.criteria.trim().is_empty() && !input.removal_issue.trim().is_empty() && input.planned
 }
 
-pub fn evaluate_phase5(input: &Phase5Input) -> Phase5Evaluation {
+pub fn evaluate_cutover(input: &CutoverReadinessInput) -> CutoverReadinessEvaluation {
     let mut missing_checks = Vec::new();
 
     if !has_integration_parity(&input.integration_parity) {
-        missing_checks.push(Phase5MissingCheck::IntegrationParity);
+        missing_checks.push(CutoverMissingCheck::IntegrationParity);
     }
 
     if !has_performance_benchmarks(&input.performance_benchmarks) {
-        missing_checks.push(Phase5MissingCheck::PerformanceBenchmarks);
+        missing_checks.push(CutoverMissingCheck::PerformanceBenchmarks);
     }
 
     if !has_default_release_cutover(&input.default_release_cutover) {
-        missing_checks.push(Phase5MissingCheck::DefaultReleaseCutover);
+        missing_checks.push(CutoverMissingCheck::DefaultReleaseCutover);
     }
 
     if !has_fallback_removal(&input.fallback_removal) {
-        missing_checks.push(Phase5MissingCheck::FallbackRemoval);
+        missing_checks.push(CutoverMissingCheck::FallbackRemoval);
     }
 
     if missing_checks.is_empty() {
-        return Phase5Evaluation {
+        return CutoverReadinessEvaluation {
             complete: true,
             summary: format!(
-                "Phase 5 complete with parity suite at {}.",
+                "Cutover readiness complete with parity suite at {}.",
                 input.integration_parity.parity_suite_path
             ),
             missing_checks,
@@ -122,17 +122,17 @@ pub fn evaluate_phase5(input: &Phase5Input) -> Phase5Evaluation {
     let missing_labels = missing_checks
         .iter()
         .map(|missing_check| match missing_check {
-            Phase5MissingCheck::IntegrationParity => "integration-parity",
-            Phase5MissingCheck::PerformanceBenchmarks => "performance-benchmarks",
-            Phase5MissingCheck::DefaultReleaseCutover => "default-release-cutover",
-            Phase5MissingCheck::FallbackRemoval => "fallback-removal",
+            CutoverMissingCheck::IntegrationParity => "integration-parity",
+            CutoverMissingCheck::PerformanceBenchmarks => "performance-benchmarks",
+            CutoverMissingCheck::DefaultReleaseCutover => "default-release-cutover",
+            CutoverMissingCheck::FallbackRemoval => "fallback-removal",
         })
         .collect::<Vec<_>>()
         .join(", ");
 
-    Phase5Evaluation {
+    CutoverReadinessEvaluation {
         complete: false,
-        summary: format!("Phase 5 incomplete. Missing: {missing_labels}."),
+        summary: format!("Cutover readiness incomplete. Missing: {missing_labels}."),
         missing_checks,
     }
 }
@@ -141,20 +141,20 @@ pub fn evaluate_phase5(input: &Phase5Input) -> Phase5Evaluation {
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
 
-    fn complete_input() -> Phase5Input {
-        Phase5Input {
+    fn complete_input() -> CutoverReadinessInput {
+        CutoverReadinessInput {
             integration_parity: IntegrationParityInput {
                 ok: true,
                 baseline: "node-cli".to_string(),
                 parity_suite_path: "src/test/native-parity".to_string(),
-                covered_commands: REQUIRED_PHASE5_PARITY_COMMANDS
+                covered_commands: REQUIRED_CUTOVER_PARITY_COMMANDS
                     .iter()
                     .map(|command| (*command).to_string())
                     .collect(),
             },
             performance_benchmarks: PerformanceBenchmarksInput {
                 ok: true,
-                report_path: "docs/standalone/phase5.md".to_string(),
+                report_path: "docs/standalone/cutover.md".to_string(),
                 startup_latency_ms: 220,
                 peak_memory_mb: 96,
             },
@@ -173,26 +173,26 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn marks_phase5_complete_when_all_checks_pass() {
+    fn marks_cutover_complete_when_all_checks_pass() {
         let input = complete_input();
-        let result = evaluate_phase5(&input);
+        let result = evaluate_cutover(&input);
 
         assert!(result.complete);
-        assert!(result.summary.contains("Phase 5 complete"));
+        assert!(result.summary.contains("Cutover readiness complete"));
         assert!(result.missing_checks.is_empty());
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn fails_phase5_when_parity_coverage_is_incomplete() {
+    fn fails_cutover_when_parity_coverage_is_incomplete() {
         let mut input = complete_input();
         input.integration_parity.covered_commands = vec!["read-configuration".to_string(), "build".to_string()];
 
-        let result = evaluate_phase5(&input);
+        let result = evaluate_cutover(&input);
 
         assert!(!result.complete);
         assert_eq!(
             result.missing_checks,
-            vec![Phase5MissingCheck::IntegrationParity]
+            vec![CutoverMissingCheck::IntegrationParity]
         );
     }
 }
diff --git a/cmd/devcontainer-native/src/main.rs b/cmd/devcontainer-native/src/main.rs
index 3a20f9cc4..e35f6b07a 100644
--- a/cmd/devcontainer-native/src/main.rs
+++ b/cmd/devcontainer-native/src/main.rs
@@ -4,10 +4,10 @@ use std::io::{self, Write};
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 use std::process::{Command, ExitCode};
 
-mod phase4;
-mod phase5;
+mod command_porting;
+mod cutover;
 
-const PHASE3_COMMANDS: [&str; 6] = [
+const SUPPORTED_TOP_LEVEL_COMMANDS: [&str; 6] = [
     "read-configuration",
     "build",
     "up",
@@ -17,10 +17,10 @@ const PHASE3_COMMANDS: [&str; 6] = [
 ];
 
 fn print_help() {
-    println!("devcontainer-native (phase 3)");
+    println!("devcontainer-native (native foundation)");
     println!("\nUsage:\n  devcontainer-native [--log-format text|json] <command> [args...]\n");
     println!("Supported top-level commands (forwarded to Node bridge):");
-    for command in PHASE3_COMMANDS {
+    for command in SUPPORTED_TOP_LEVEL_COMMANDS {
         println!("  - {command}");
     }
 }
@@ -172,7 +172,7 @@ fn main() -> ExitCode {
 
     let command = &raw_args[offset];
 
-    if !PHASE3_COMMANDS.contains(&command.as_str()) {
+    if !SUPPORTED_TOP_LEVEL_COMMANDS.contains(&command.as_str()) {
         eprintln!("Unsupported command: {command}");
         return ExitCode::from(2);
     }
diff --git a/docs/standalone/CONTRIBUTING.md b/docs/standalone/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 25e19be14..cc212e2bd 100644
--- a/docs/standalone/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/docs/standalone/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ Changes in these areas should be reviewed as production refactors and can impact
 Treat the following as **setup/migration scaffolding**:
 
 - Files under `src/spec-node/migration/`.
-- Tests that validate migration/standalone phase evaluators (`src/test/standalonePhase*.test.ts`).
+- Tests that validate migration/standalone readiness evaluators (`src/test/*Readiness.test.ts`).
 - Tooling and docs that enforce this separation (for example `build/check-setup-separation.js` and this document).
 
 These files are expected to evolve to support migration and fork maintenance workflows.
@@ -37,4 +37,4 @@ Run:
 npm run check-setup-separation
 ```
 
-This check fails when new setup-only phase evaluator files are introduced under `src/spec-node/` instead of `src/spec-node/migration/`.
+This check fails when new setup-only readiness evaluator files are introduced under `src/spec-node/` instead of `src/spec-node/migration/`.
diff --git a/docs/standalone/phase5.md b/docs/standalone/cutover.md
similarity index 66%
rename from docs/standalone/phase5.md
rename to docs/standalone/cutover.md
index f9756a8f1..fa35016bb 100644
--- a/docs/standalone/phase5.md
+++ b/docs/standalone/cutover.md
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-# Phase 5 Hardening and Cutover Report
+# Hardening and cutover report
 
-This report records completion evidence for the Phase 5 TODO items:
+This report records completion evidence for the hardening and cutover TODO items:
 
 - Full integration parity suite against Node baseline.
 - Performance and resource benchmarking.
@@ -12,13 +12,13 @@ This report records completion evidence for the Phase 5 TODO items:
 - Baseline: Node CLI behavior compared against `devcontainer-native` command flows.
 - Coverage scope: `read-configuration`, `build`, `up`, `exec`, `features`, and `templates`.
 - Automation entrypoints:
-  - `src/test/standalonePhase5.test.ts` (phase gating checks)
-  - `cmd/devcontainer-native/src/phase5.rs` tests (native progress checks)
+  - `src/test/cutoverReadiness.test.ts` (readiness gating checks)
+  - `cmd/devcontainer-native/src/cutover.rs` tests (native progress checks)
 
 ## Performance and resource benchmark targets
 
-- Startup latency target retained from prior phases: `devcontainer --help` <= 300 ms.
-- Current measured placeholder budget check for phase tracking:
+- Startup latency target retained from earlier implementation steps: `devcontainer --help` <= 300 ms.
+- Current measured placeholder budget check for readiness tracking:
   - startup latency: 220 ms
   - peak memory: 96 MB
 
diff --git a/docs/standalone/phase2.md b/docs/standalone/distribution.md
similarity index 94%
rename from docs/standalone/phase2.md
rename to docs/standalone/distribution.md
index 73bc583ac..f4ec07274 100644
--- a/docs/standalone/phase2.md
+++ b/docs/standalone/distribution.md
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# Phase 2 — Productionize short-term binary distribution (completed)
+# Standalone distribution report (completed)
 
 Date completed: 2026-04-01
 
diff --git a/docs/standalone/phase3.md b/docs/standalone/native-foundation.md
similarity index 76%
rename from docs/standalone/phase3.md
rename to docs/standalone/native-foundation.md
index 2069b7ca7..36a25ef56 100644
--- a/docs/standalone/phase3.md
+++ b/docs/standalone/native-foundation.md
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# Phase 3 — Native rewrite foundation (Rust) (completed)
+# Native foundation report (Rust) (completed)
 
 Date completed: 2026-04-01
 
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ Date completed: 2026-04-01
 - Crate defines an initial native binary target named `devcontainer-native` to host incremental command ports.
 
 ## Top-level CLI parity scaffold
-- Added a Phase 3 evaluator that verifies parity coverage for required top-level command surfaces:
+- Added a native foundation readiness evaluator that verifies parity coverage for required top-level command surfaces:
   - `read-configuration`
   - `build`
   - `up`
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ Date completed: 2026-04-01
 - Evaluator includes help text parity gating (`helpParity`) so parity checks require both command presence and help alignment.
 
 ## Logging and exit-code parity checks
-- Added explicit Phase 3 gating for logging output formats:
+- Added explicit native foundation readiness gating for logging output formats:
   - `text`
   - `json`
 - Evaluator also requires exit code parity verification to pass (`exitCodeParity`).
@@ -29,6 +29,6 @@ Date completed: 2026-04-01
   - verified behavior for unported command delegation
 
 ## Test coverage
-- Added standalone Phase 3 unit tests covering:
+- Added native foundation readiness unit tests covering:
   - successful completion when all checks pass
   - failure mode when compatibility bridge requirements are not met
diff --git a/docs/standalone/phase1.md b/docs/standalone/prototype.md
similarity index 91%
rename from docs/standalone/phase1.md
rename to docs/standalone/prototype.md
index c41e66378..efd31b9d5 100644
--- a/docs/standalone/phase1.md
+++ b/docs/standalone/prototype.md
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-# Phase 1 — Fast standalone executable PoC (completed)
+# Standalone prototype report (completed)
 
 Date completed: 2026-04-01
 
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ Result: pass in CI-like validation lane (non-interactive mode).
 
 ## Docker and Docker Compose behavior
 - Validation executed in CI-like Linux x64 environment with Docker + Docker Compose available.
-- Result: pass for required phase-1 commands in non-interactive mode.
+- Result: pass for required prototype commands in non-interactive mode.
 
 ## Blockers identified
 1. `node-pty` native addon loading is the primary portability risk for SEA packaging.
diff --git a/scripts/standalone/build-linux-x64.sh b/scripts/standalone/build-linux-x64.sh
index f0bdbdb85..5f4e9a4be 100755
--- a/scripts/standalone/build-linux-x64.sh
+++ b/scripts/standalone/build-linux-x64.sh
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ set -euo pipefail
 
 mkdir -p dist/standalone/spec-node
 
-# Phase-2 placeholder build contract:
+# Standalone distribution placeholder build contract:
 # package a runnable wrapper plus the JS payload to emulate a standalone artifact.
 # In production this step should be replaced by the SEA/native packaging invocation.
 cp -R dist/spec-node/. dist/standalone/spec-node/
diff --git a/src/spec-node/migration/standalonePhase5.ts b/src/spec-node/migration/cutoverReadiness.ts
similarity index 80%
rename from src/spec-node/migration/standalonePhase5.ts
rename to src/spec-node/migration/cutoverReadiness.ts
index c987b156c..4759b8663 100644
--- a/src/spec-node/migration/standalonePhase5.ts
+++ b/src/spec-node/migration/cutoverReadiness.ts
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ interface CheckResult {
 	details?: string;
 }
 
-export const REQUIRED_PHASE5_PARITY_COMMANDS = [
+export const REQUIRED_CUTOVER_PARITY_COMMANDS = [
 	'read-configuration',
 	'build',
 	'up',
@@ -35,14 +35,14 @@ interface FallbackRemovalInput extends CheckResult {
 	planned: boolean;
 }
 
-interface Phase5Input {
+interface CutoverReadinessInput {
 	integrationParity: IntegrationParityInput;
 	performanceBenchmarks: PerformanceBenchmarkInput;
 	defaultReleaseCutover: DefaultReleaseCutoverInput;
 	fallbackRemoval: FallbackRemovalInput;
 }
 
-interface Phase5Evaluation {
+interface CutoverReadinessEvaluation {
 	complete: boolean;
 	summary: string;
 	missingChecks: Array<
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ function hasIntegrationParity(input: IntegrationParityInput) {
 	return input.ok
 		&& input.baseline.trim().length > 0
 		&& input.paritySuitePath.trim().length > 0
-		&& REQUIRED_PHASE5_PARITY_COMMANDS.every(command => commands.has(command));
+		&& REQUIRED_CUTOVER_PARITY_COMMANDS.every(command => commands.has(command));
 }
 
 function hasPerformanceBenchmarks(input: PerformanceBenchmarkInput) {
@@ -80,8 +80,8 @@ function hasFallbackRemovalPlan(input: FallbackRemovalInput) {
 		&& input.planned;
 }
 
-export function evaluatePhase5(input: Phase5Input): Phase5Evaluation {
-	const missingChecks: Phase5Evaluation['missingChecks'] = [];
+export function evaluateCutoverReadiness(input: CutoverReadinessInput): CutoverReadinessEvaluation {
+	const missingChecks: CutoverReadinessEvaluation['missingChecks'] = [];
 
 	if (!hasIntegrationParity(input.integrationParity)) {
 		missingChecks.push('integration-parity');
@@ -99,14 +99,14 @@ export function evaluatePhase5(input: Phase5Input): Phase5Evaluation {
 	if (!missingChecks.length) {
 		return {
 			complete: true,
-			summary: `Phase 5 complete with parity suite at ${input.integrationParity.paritySuitePath}.`,
+			summary: `Cutover readiness complete with parity suite at ${input.integrationParity.paritySuitePath}.`,
 			missingChecks,
 		};
 	}
 
 	return {
 		complete: false,
-		summary: `Phase 5 incomplete. Missing: ${missingChecks.join(', ')}.`,
+		summary: `Cutover readiness incomplete. Missing: ${missingChecks.join(', ')}.`,
 		missingChecks,
 	};
 }
diff --git a/src/spec-node/migration/standalonePhase2.ts b/src/spec-node/migration/distributionReadiness.ts
similarity index 83%
rename from src/spec-node/migration/standalonePhase2.ts
rename to src/spec-node/migration/distributionReadiness.ts
index efa6ace29..5af373bb4 100644
--- a/src/spec-node/migration/standalonePhase2.ts
+++ b/src/spec-node/migration/distributionReadiness.ts
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ interface ExperimentalChannelInput extends CheckResult {
 	published: boolean;
 }
 
-interface Phase2Input {
+interface DistributionReadinessInput {
 	reproducibleBuild: ReproducibleBuildInput;
 	signing: SigningInput;
 	packagedSmokeTests: PackagedSmokeTestsInput;
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ interface Phase2Input {
 	experimentalChannel: ExperimentalChannelInput;
 }
 
-interface Phase2Evaluation {
+interface DistributionReadinessEvaluation {
 	complete: boolean;
 	summary: string;
 	missingChecks: Array<
@@ -73,8 +73,8 @@ function hasExperimentalChannel(input: ExperimentalChannelInput) {
 	return input.ok && input.artifactSuffix.trim().length > 0 && input.published;
 }
 
-export function evaluatePhase2(input: Phase2Input): Phase2Evaluation {
-	const missingChecks: Phase2Evaluation['missingChecks'] = [];
+export function evaluateDistributionReadiness(input: DistributionReadinessInput): DistributionReadinessEvaluation {
+	const missingChecks: DistributionReadinessEvaluation['missingChecks'] = [];
 
 	if (!hasReproducibleBuild(input.reproducibleBuild)) {
 		missingChecks.push('reproducible-build');
@@ -95,14 +95,14 @@ export function evaluatePhase2(input: Phase2Input): Phase2Evaluation {
 	if (!missingChecks.length) {
 		return {
 			complete: true,
-			summary: `Phase 2 complete with reproducible builds in ${input.reproducibleBuild.workflowPath}.`,
+			summary: `Distribution readiness complete with reproducible builds in ${input.reproducibleBuild.workflowPath}.`,
 			missingChecks,
 		};
 	}
 
 	return {
 		complete: false,
-		summary: `Phase 2 incomplete. Missing: ${missingChecks.join(', ')}.`,
+		summary: `Distribution readiness incomplete. Missing: ${missingChecks.join(', ')}.`,
 		missingChecks,
 	};
 }
diff --git a/src/spec-node/migration/standalonePhase3.ts b/src/spec-node/migration/nativeFoundationReadiness.ts
similarity index 76%
rename from src/spec-node/migration/standalonePhase3.ts
rename to src/spec-node/migration/nativeFoundationReadiness.ts
index 54347ca8d..f6f194df4 100644
--- a/src/spec-node/migration/standalonePhase3.ts
+++ b/src/spec-node/migration/nativeFoundationReadiness.ts
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ interface CheckResult {
 	details?: string;
 }
 
-export const REQUIRED_PHASE3_TOP_LEVEL_COMMANDS = [
+export const REQUIRED_NATIVE_FOUNDATION_TOP_LEVEL_COMMANDS = [
 	'read-configuration',
 	'build',
 	'up',
@@ -33,14 +33,14 @@ interface CompatibilityBridgeInput extends CheckResult {
 	unportedCommandBehaviorVerified: boolean;
 }
 
-interface Phase3Input {
+interface NativeFoundationReadinessInput {
 	rustCrate: RustCrateInput;
 	cliParity: CliParityInput;
 	loggingAndExitCodes: LoggingAndExitCodesInput;
 	compatibilityBridge: CompatibilityBridgeInput;
 }
 
-interface Phase3Evaluation {
+interface NativeFoundationReadinessEvaluation {
 	complete: boolean;
 	summary: string;
 	missingChecks: Array<'rust-crate' | 'cli-parity' | 'logging-exit-codes' | 'compatibility-bridge'>;
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ function hasCliParity(input: CliParityInput) {
 	const providedCommands = new Set(input.topLevelCommands.map(command => command.trim()).filter(Boolean));
 	return input.ok
 		&& input.helpParity
-		&& REQUIRED_PHASE3_TOP_LEVEL_COMMANDS.every(command => providedCommands.has(command));
+		&& REQUIRED_NATIVE_FOUNDATION_TOP_LEVEL_COMMANDS.every(command => providedCommands.has(command));
 }
 
 function hasLoggingAndExitCodeParity(input: LoggingAndExitCodesInput) {
@@ -71,8 +71,8 @@ function hasCompatibilityBridge(input: CompatibilityBridgeInput) {
 		&& input.unportedCommandBehaviorVerified;
 }
 
-export function evaluatePhase3(input: Phase3Input): Phase3Evaluation {
-	const missingChecks: Phase3Evaluation['missingChecks'] = [];
+export function evaluateNativeFoundationReadiness(input: NativeFoundationReadinessInput): NativeFoundationReadinessEvaluation {
+	const missingChecks: NativeFoundationReadinessEvaluation['missingChecks'] = [];
 
 	if (!hasRustCrate(input.rustCrate)) {
 		missingChecks.push('rust-crate');
@@ -90,14 +90,14 @@ export function evaluatePhase3(input: Phase3Input): Phase3Evaluation {
 	if (!missingChecks.length) {
 		return {
 			complete: true,
-			summary: `Phase 3 complete with Rust crate at ${input.rustCrate.cratePath}.`,
+			summary: `Native foundation readiness complete with Rust crate at ${input.rustCrate.cratePath}.`,
 			missingChecks,
 		};
 	}
 
 	return {
 		complete: false,
-		summary: `Phase 3 incomplete. Missing: ${missingChecks.join(', ')}.`,
+		summary: `Native foundation readiness incomplete. Missing: ${missingChecks.join(', ')}.`,
 		missingChecks,
 	};
 }
diff --git a/src/spec-node/migration/standalonePhase1.ts b/src/spec-node/migration/prototypeReadiness.ts
similarity index 63%
rename from src/spec-node/migration/standalonePhase1.ts
rename to src/spec-node/migration/prototypeReadiness.ts
index 5d8cd14a5..fd0554b91 100644
--- a/src/spec-node/migration/standalonePhase1.ts
+++ b/src/spec-node/migration/prototypeReadiness.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-export const REQUIRED_PHASE1_COMMANDS = [
+export const REQUIRED_PROTOTYPE_COMMANDS = [
 	'up',
 	'build',
 	'exec',
@@ -7,19 +7,19 @@ export const REQUIRED_PHASE1_COMMANDS = [
 	'templates',
 ] as const;
 
-export type Phase1Command = (typeof REQUIRED_PHASE1_COMMANDS)[number];
+export type PrototypeCommand = (typeof REQUIRED_PROTOTYPE_COMMANDS)[number];
 
 interface CheckResult {
 	ok: boolean;
 	details?: string;
 }
 
-interface Phase1Input {
+interface PrototypeReadinessInput {
 	prototype: {
 		strategy: 'node-sea' | 'pkg' | 'nexe' | 'other';
 		binaryPath: string;
 	};
-	commandCoverage: Partial<Record<Phase1Command, CheckResult>>;
+	commandCoverage: Partial<Record<PrototypeCommand, CheckResult>>;
 	composeValidation: CheckResult;
 	blockers: Array<{ id: string; severity: 'low' | 'medium' | 'high'; mitigation: string }>;
 	benchmarks: {
@@ -30,17 +30,17 @@ interface Phase1Input {
 	};
 }
 
-interface Phase1Evaluation {
+interface PrototypeReadinessEvaluation {
 	complete: boolean;
 	summary: string;
 	missingChecks: Array<'prototype' | 'command-coverage' | 'compose-validation' | 'blockers' | 'benchmarks'>;
 }
 
-function hasCommandCoverage(commandCoverage: Phase1Input['commandCoverage']) {
-	return REQUIRED_PHASE1_COMMANDS.every(command => commandCoverage[command]?.ok === true);
+function hasCommandCoverage(commandCoverage: PrototypeReadinessInput['commandCoverage']) {
+	return REQUIRED_PROTOTYPE_COMMANDS.every(command => commandCoverage[command]?.ok === true);
 }
 
-function hasBenchmarkComparison(benchmarks: Phase1Input['benchmarks']) {
+function hasBenchmarkComparison(benchmarks: PrototypeReadinessInput['benchmarks']) {
 	return Number.isFinite(benchmarks.standaloneSizeBytes)
 		&& Number.isFinite(benchmarks.baselineSizeBytes)
 		&& Number.isFinite(benchmarks.standaloneHelpColdStartMs)
@@ -51,8 +51,8 @@ function hasBenchmarkComparison(benchmarks: Phase1Input['benchmarks']) {
 		&& benchmarks.baselineHelpColdStartMs > 0;
 }
 
-export function evaluatePhase1(input: Phase1Input): Phase1Evaluation {
-	const missingChecks: Phase1Evaluation['missingChecks'] = [];
+export function evaluatePrototypeReadiness(input: PrototypeReadinessInput): PrototypeReadinessEvaluation {
+	const missingChecks: PrototypeReadinessEvaluation['missingChecks'] = [];
 
 	if (!input.prototype.binaryPath.trim()) {
 		missingChecks.push('prototype');
@@ -73,14 +73,14 @@ export function evaluatePhase1(input: Phase1Input): Phase1Evaluation {
 	if (!missingChecks.length) {
 		return {
 			complete: true,
-			summary: `Phase 1 complete via ${input.prototype.strategy} prototype at ${input.prototype.binaryPath}.`,
+			summary: `Prototype readiness complete via ${input.prototype.strategy} prototype at ${input.prototype.binaryPath}.`,
 			missingChecks,
 		};
 	}
 
 	return {
 		complete: false,
-		summary: `Phase 1 incomplete. Missing: ${missingChecks.join(', ')}.`,
+		summary: `Prototype readiness incomplete. Missing: ${missingChecks.join(', ')}.`,
 		missingChecks,
 	};
 }
diff --git a/src/test/standalonePhase5.test.ts b/src/test/cutoverReadiness.test.ts
similarity index 66%
rename from src/test/standalonePhase5.test.ts
rename to src/test/cutoverReadiness.test.ts
index be8885476..9fe01b66b 100644
--- a/src/test/standalonePhase5.test.ts
+++ b/src/test/cutoverReadiness.test.ts
@@ -1,19 +1,19 @@
 import { expect } from 'chai';
 
-import { evaluatePhase5, REQUIRED_PHASE5_PARITY_COMMANDS } from '../spec-node/migration/standalonePhase5';
+import { evaluateCutoverReadiness, REQUIRED_CUTOVER_PARITY_COMMANDS } from '../spec-node/migration/cutoverReadiness';
 
-describe('standalone phase 5 evaluator', () => {
-	it('marks phase 5 complete when hardening and cutover checks pass', () => {
-		const result = evaluatePhase5({
+describe('cutover readiness evaluator', () => {
+	it('marks cutover readiness complete when hardening and cutover checks pass', () => {
+		const result = evaluateCutoverReadiness({
 			integrationParity: {
 				ok: true,
 				baseline: 'node-cli',
 				paritySuitePath: 'src/test/native-parity',
-				coveredCommands: [...REQUIRED_PHASE5_PARITY_COMMANDS],
+				coveredCommands: [...REQUIRED_CUTOVER_PARITY_COMMANDS],
 			},
 			performanceBenchmarks: {
 				ok: true,
-				reportPath: 'docs/standalone/benchmarks/phase5.md',
+				reportPath: 'docs/standalone/cutover.md',
 				startupLatencyMs: 220,
 				peakMemoryMb: 96,
 			},
@@ -31,11 +31,11 @@ describe('standalone phase 5 evaluator', () => {
 		});
 
 		expect(result.complete).to.equal(true);
-		expect(result.summary).to.include('Phase 5 complete');
+		expect(result.summary).to.include('Cutover readiness complete');
 	});
 
-	it('fails phase 5 completion when command parity coverage is incomplete', () => {
-		const result = evaluatePhase5({
+	it('fails cutover readiness when command parity coverage is incomplete', () => {
+		const result = evaluateCutoverReadiness({
 			integrationParity: {
 				ok: true,
 				baseline: 'node-cli',
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ describe('standalone phase 5 evaluator', () => {
 			},
 			performanceBenchmarks: {
 				ok: true,
-				reportPath: 'docs/standalone/benchmarks/phase5.md',
+				reportPath: 'docs/standalone/cutover.md',
 				startupLatencyMs: 220,
 				peakMemoryMb: 96,
 			},
diff --git a/src/test/standalonePhase2.test.ts b/src/test/distributionReadiness.test.ts
similarity index 73%
rename from src/test/standalonePhase2.test.ts
rename to src/test/distributionReadiness.test.ts
index 36c6f2673..83aa606c8 100644
--- a/src/test/standalonePhase2.test.ts
+++ b/src/test/distributionReadiness.test.ts
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 import { expect } from 'chai';
 
-import { evaluatePhase2 } from '../spec-node/migration/standalonePhase2';
+import { evaluateDistributionReadiness } from '../spec-node/migration/distributionReadiness';
 
-describe('standalone phase 2 evaluator', () => {
-	it('marks phase 2 complete when all productionization checks pass', () => {
-		const result = evaluatePhase2({
+describe('distribution readiness evaluator', () => {
+	it('marks distribution readiness complete when all productionization checks pass', () => {
+		const result = evaluateDistributionReadiness({
 			reproducibleBuild: {
 				ok: true,
 				workflowPath: '.github/workflows/standalone-release.yml',
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ describe('standalone phase 2 evaluator', () => {
 			},
 			releaseDocs: {
 				ok: true,
-				docPath: 'docs/standalone/phase2.md',
+				docPath: 'docs/standalone/distribution.md',
 				fallbackInstaller: 'npm i -g @devcontainers/cli',
 			},
 			experimentalChannel: {
@@ -32,12 +32,12 @@ describe('standalone phase 2 evaluator', () => {
 		});
 
 		expect(result.complete).to.equal(true);
-		expect(result.summary).to.include('Phase 2 complete');
+		expect(result.summary).to.include('Distribution readiness complete');
 	});
 
 
-	it('fails phase 2 completion when smoke lane omits required commands', () => {
-		const result = evaluatePhase2({
+	it('fails distribution readiness when smoke lane omits required commands', () => {
+		const result = evaluateDistributionReadiness({
 			reproducibleBuild: {
 				ok: true,
 				workflowPath: '.github/workflows/standalone-release.yml',
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ describe('standalone phase 2 evaluator', () => {
 			},
 			releaseDocs: {
 				ok: true,
-				docPath: 'docs/standalone/phase2.md',
+				docPath: 'docs/standalone/distribution.md',
 				fallbackInstaller: 'npm i -g @devcontainers/cli',
 			},
 			experimentalChannel: {
@@ -68,8 +68,8 @@ describe('standalone phase 2 evaluator', () => {
 		expect(result.missingChecks).to.deep.equal(['packaged-smoke-tests']);
 	});
 
-	it('fails phase 2 completion when standalone smoke lane is missing', () => {
-		const result = evaluatePhase2({
+	it('fails distribution readiness when standalone smoke lane is missing', () => {
+		const result = evaluateDistributionReadiness({
 			reproducibleBuild: {
 				ok: true,
 				workflowPath: '.github/workflows/standalone-release.yml',
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ describe('standalone phase 2 evaluator', () => {
 			},
 			releaseDocs: {
 				ok: true,
-				docPath: 'docs/standalone/phase2.md',
+				docPath: 'docs/standalone/distribution.md',
 				fallbackInstaller: 'npm i -g @devcontainers/cli',
 			},
 			experimentalChannel: {
diff --git a/src/test/standalonePhase3.test.ts b/src/test/nativeFoundationReadiness.test.ts
similarity index 60%
rename from src/test/standalonePhase3.test.ts
rename to src/test/nativeFoundationReadiness.test.ts
index 37f05e3f9..b8b39ffee 100644
--- a/src/test/standalonePhase3.test.ts
+++ b/src/test/nativeFoundationReadiness.test.ts
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 import { expect } from 'chai';
 
-import { evaluatePhase3, REQUIRED_PHASE3_TOP_LEVEL_COMMANDS } from '../spec-node/migration/standalonePhase3';
+import { evaluateNativeFoundationReadiness, REQUIRED_NATIVE_FOUNDATION_TOP_LEVEL_COMMANDS } from '../spec-node/migration/nativeFoundationReadiness';
 
-describe('standalone phase 3 evaluator', () => {
-	it('marks phase 3 complete when native foundation checks pass', () => {
-		const result = evaluatePhase3({
+describe('native foundation readiness evaluator', () => {
+	it('marks native foundation readiness complete when native foundation checks pass', () => {
+		const result = evaluateNativeFoundationReadiness({
 			rustCrate: {
 				ok: true,
 				cratePath: 'cmd/devcontainer-native',
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ describe('standalone phase 3 evaluator', () => {
 			},
 			cliParity: {
 				ok: true,
-				topLevelCommands: [...REQUIRED_PHASE3_TOP_LEVEL_COMMANDS],
+				topLevelCommands: [...REQUIRED_NATIVE_FOUNDATION_TOP_LEVEL_COMMANDS],
 				helpParity: true,
 			},
 			loggingAndExitCodes: {
@@ -29,11 +29,11 @@ describe('standalone phase 3 evaluator', () => {
 		});
 
 		expect(result.complete).to.equal(true);
-		expect(result.summary).to.include('Phase 3 complete');
+		expect(result.summary).to.include('Native foundation readiness complete');
 	});
 
-	it('fails phase 3 completion when fallback bridge is missing', () => {
-		const result = evaluatePhase3({
+	it('fails native foundation readiness when fallback bridge is missing', () => {
+		const result = evaluateNativeFoundationReadiness({
 			rustCrate: {
 				ok: true,
 				cratePath: 'cmd/devcontainer-native',
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ describe('standalone phase 3 evaluator', () => {
 			},
 			cliParity: {
 				ok: true,
-				topLevelCommands: [...REQUIRED_PHASE3_TOP_LEVEL_COMMANDS],
+				topLevelCommands: [...REQUIRED_NATIVE_FOUNDATION_TOP_LEVEL_COMMANDS],
 				helpParity: true,
 			},
 			loggingAndExitCodes: {
diff --git a/src/test/standalonePhase1.test.ts b/src/test/prototypeReadiness.test.ts
similarity index 63%
rename from src/test/standalonePhase1.test.ts
rename to src/test/prototypeReadiness.test.ts
index 61f58703f..ec6d69f53 100644
--- a/src/test/standalonePhase1.test.ts
+++ b/src/test/prototypeReadiness.test.ts
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 import { expect } from 'chai';
 
-import { evaluatePhase1, REQUIRED_PHASE1_COMMANDS } from '../spec-node/migration/standalonePhase1';
+import { evaluatePrototypeReadiness, REQUIRED_PROTOTYPE_COMMANDS } from '../spec-node/migration/prototypeReadiness';
 
-describe('standalone phase 1 evaluator', () => {
-	it('marks phase 1 complete when all required checks pass', () => {
-		const result = evaluatePhase1({
+describe('prototype readiness evaluator', () => {
+	it('marks prototype readiness complete when all required checks pass', () => {
+		const result = evaluatePrototypeReadiness({
 			prototype: { strategy: 'node-sea', binaryPath: 'dist/devcontainer-linux-x64' },
-			commandCoverage: Object.fromEntries(REQUIRED_PHASE1_COMMANDS.map(command => [command, { ok: true }])),
+			commandCoverage: Object.fromEntries(REQUIRED_PROTOTYPE_COMMANDS.map(command => [command, { ok: true }])),
 			composeValidation: { ok: true },
 			blockers: [
 				{ id: 'node-pty-sea', severity: 'high', mitigation: 'Extract native modules next to SEA binary.' },
@@ -20,12 +20,12 @@ describe('standalone phase 1 evaluator', () => {
 		});
 
 		expect(result.complete).to.equal(true);
-		expect(result.summary).to.include('Phase 1 complete');
+		expect(result.summary).to.include('Prototype readiness complete');
 	});
 
-	it('fails phase 1 completion when command coverage is partial', () => {
-		const [firstCommand] = REQUIRED_PHASE1_COMMANDS;
-		const result = evaluatePhase1({
+	it('fails prototype readiness when command coverage is partial', () => {
+		const [firstCommand] = REQUIRED_PROTOTYPE_COMMANDS;
+		const result = evaluatePrototypeReadiness({
 			prototype: { strategy: 'node-sea', binaryPath: 'dist/devcontainer-linux-x64' },
 			commandCoverage: {
 				[firstCommand]: { ok: false, details: 'binary failed with exit code 1' },