architecture-decision-records

Documenting architectural decisions as structured Architecture Decision Records captures the problem context, rejected alternatives, and expected consequences in versioned files. This approach preserves trade-off transparency so future developers understand why specific system choices were made.

Tracking trade-offs when choosing software frameworks or databases requires recording the competing options and rejection rationale. Structured ADR documents list these alternatives alongside expected positive and negative outcomes, maintaining decision continuity as the codebase evolves.

Creating an ADR during an AI-assisted coding session involves interactive detection of decision moments. The system requires explicit user approval before guarded file creation, ensuring architectural choices regarding patterns or APIs are captured accurately with full context.

Searching existing architecture decision records is supported through a maintained ADR index. This index enables quick discovery of past decisions, allowing developers to locate relevant records and answer why specific infrastructure or security choices were adopted.

Managing software documentation with this approach requires no external dependencies. The system operates independently to capture architectural choices, relying solely on interactive user approval and an index file for record discovery.

Architecture decision records should not be used for minor implementation details that lack significant trade-offs. They are designed for major framework, database, or infrastructure choices where documenting rationale and consequences provides ongoing value to future developers.