adr-authoring

The MADR 4.0 template standardizes architecture decision records by enforcing fields for context, decisions, and consequences. It provides a consistent, portable structure to ensure traceability and alignment across software engineering teams.

Architecture decision records should use NNNN-kebab-case file naming to track decision history sequentially. This enforces a 4-digit numbering prefix followed by the decision title, keeping project documentation organized chronologically.

You track decision status and stakeholders in an ADR by using the clear ownership and status fields defined in the MADR 4.0 template. This communicates alignment and records exactly who is involved in each architectural decision.

You need to create an architecture decision record whenever a software project requires traceability for a significant technical choice. Documenting decisions with MADR ensures the context, rationale, and consequences remain aligned across the team.

The MADR template works across software projects by providing a portable structure to document architectural decisions. It applies universally to record context, decisions, and consequences without requiring specific platform dependencies.