architecture-decision-records

Document architectural decisions with a MADR-style template and lifecycle.

1|Updated Dec 23, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ccf/claude-code-ccf-marketplace --skill architecture-decision-records-ccf
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: architecture-decision-records
Source: https://github.com/ccf/claude-code-ccf-marketplace/tree/main/plugins/documentation/skills/architecture-decision-records
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ccf/claude-code-ccf-marketplace --skill architecture-decision-records-ccf

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

ADRs provide a lightweight, auditable record of why significant architectural decisions were made, preventing knowledge loss and guiding future work.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Standardized templates and lifecycle for documenting decisions.
  • Clear context, decision, and consequences to support onboarding, reviews, and governance.
  • Reuse across projects to ensure consistency and traceability during architectural reviews.

Quick Start

Create ADRs for major design choices using a MADR-style template. Store them under docs/adr and maintain an index to surface related decisions. Example workflow: open an ADR, fill in context, decision, and consequences, commit, and link to related ADRs.

Frequently Asked Questions about architecture-decision-records

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I document architectural decisions to prevent knowledge loss during onboarding?

You document architectural decisions using Architecture Decision Records to capture context, alternatives, decisions, and consequences. This creates an auditable record that guides onboarding, governance, and future development.

What is the MADR-style template for writing an Architecture Decision Record?

The MADR-style template structures an Architecture Decision Record by defining the context, listing alternatives considered, stating the final decision, and outlining consequences to ensure clear architectural governance.

How do I manage the lifecycle of an Architecture Decision Record from proposal to deprecation?

You manage an Architecture Decision Record lifecycle by transitioning its status through Proposed, Accepted, Deprecated, and Superseded states, linking related decisions to maintain an accurate audit trail.

What is the best way to organize and index ADRs across multiple projects?

The best way to organize ADRs across projects is storing them under a docs/adr directory and maintaining an ADR index, ensuring discoverability and traceability during architectural reviews.

When should I write an Architecture Decision Record for a software design choice?

You should write an Architecture Decision Record for major design choices to capture why significant architectural decisions were made, preventing knowledge loss and guiding future work.

Does this approach enforce specific governance rules for software architecture documentation?

Yes, the approach enforces governance rules by applying a standardized MADR-style template and a strict lifecycle, ensuring consistency and traceability across projects during architectural audits.