architecture-decision-records

You document architectural decisions by creating Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) in a structured format under docs/adr. This captures the rationale behind code choices to explain why the codebase evolved and keeps decisions traceable across features and refactors.

The ADR format is a lightweight document structure used to record architectural decisions, their context, and alternatives considered. You need it whenever a major architectural decision arises during new feature development or major refactoring to preserve historical rationale.

To keep architectural decisions traceable, apply a lightweight ADR workflow across ongoing projects by detecting, drafting, reviewing, and indexing decisions. Storing these as version-controlled documents under docs/adr ensures full auditability for historical reference.

Yes, you can and should use architecture decision records for major refactoring projects. Applying the ADR workflow during refactoring ensures that the rationale for structural code changes is documented, version-controlled, and traceable for future reference.

The best way to query historical architectural decisions is by reading and searching the indexed ADR documents stored under docs/adr. This version-controlled repository allows you to understand past decisions, their rationales, and the alternatives that were considered.

You should store ADRs in version control because it provides strict auditability and traceability alongside the codebase. Keeping decision records under docs/adr ensures that architectural documentation evolves in sync with the code it explains.