author-adr

Author, review, and manage Architectural Decision Records with templates and governance policies.

1|Updated Apr 1, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/juliusl/adr-skills --skill author-adr
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: author-adr
Source: https://github.com/juliusl/adr-skills/tree/main/src/skills/author-adr
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/juliusl/adr-skills --skill author-adr

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires jq, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) and assets (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Architectural Decision Records (ADRs) are the backbone of architectural governance. This skill provides a structured, repeatable workflow to author, review, revise, and manage ADRs, including template selection, tooling orchestration, quality checks, and cross-reference management to ensure consistent decision logs.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Draft ADRs using common templates (Nygard Agent, MADR, Y-Statement) with guidance and automation hooks.
  • Review and revise ADRs with configurable agent dispatch, governance policies, and traceability.
  • Manage ADR lifecycles: link, supersede, deprecate, and track status transitions.
  • Integrate tooling and references to templates, sample decisions, and best practices.
  • Cross-skill orchestration: enable solve-adr workflows to prototype decisions and implement ADRs.

Quick Start

Install the adr-skills binary, bootstrap ADRs with the Makefile targets, then create your first ADR using author-adr.

Frequently Asked Questions about author-adr

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I create an Architectural Decision Record using standard templates?

You can draft Architectural Decision Records using standard templates like Nygard Agent, MADR, or Y-Statement. The skill provides structured authoring workflows with guidance and automation hooks to ensure consistent decision logs.

What is the best way to manage the lifecycle of an ADR?

Managing the ADR lifecycle involves linking, superseding, deprecating, and tracking status transitions. The skill enforces a consistent lifecycle from drafting through review to implementation with full cross-reference management.

Can I enforce governance policies during the ADR review process?

Yes, you can enforce governance policies during ADR review. The skill supports policy-driven workflows, configurable agent dispatch, quality checks, and traceability to ensure decisions meet architectural standards.

Do I need jq installed to use this ADR tooling?

Yes, jq is required as a dependency. The skill relies on jq to orchestrate tooling, manage cross-references between ADRs, and execute quality checks within the automated governance workflow.

How does cross-skill orchestration work for prototyping architectural decisions?

Cross-skill orchestration enables solve-adr workflows to prototype decisions and implement ADRs. This integrates the ADR tooling ecosystem with broader engineering processes for end-to-end architectural governance.