architecture-decision-records

An Architecture Decision Record (ADR) is a structured document capturing the context, decision, and consequences of significant technical choices. Create an ADR when documenting architecture changes, design trade-offs, or decisions that require traceability across teams.

To write an ADR, use a standard template and fill in the context, decision, and consequences sections. This ensures consistent documentation of technical decisions and their implications for software architecture across the team.

The best way to document software architecture decisions is using standardized ADR templates and lifecycle guidance. This ensures consistent documentation, improves onboarding, and facilitates knowledge transfer of design trade-offs across teams.

Yes, ADRs support onboarding and knowledge transfer by providing consistent documentation of significant technical decisions. New team members can review the context and consequences of past architecture choices to understand the system.

ADR lifecycle guidance includes standard ADR templates, references to approved formats, and tooling recommendations. This provides a standardized process for creating and maintaining decision records throughout their lifecycle.

No specific tools are required to start documenting architecture decisions. The ADR approach provides standard templates and references to approved formats and tooling, allowing you to capture decisions using your existing documentation setup.