documentation-and-adrs

Document architectural decisions by recording them as Architectural Decision Records (ADRs) to capture the technical rationale and alternative considerations. This practice enhances codebase maintainability by explaining the context and reasoning behind significant technical choices for future team members and agents.

The best way to record the rationale behind technical choices is by creating inline documentation and ADRs. This approach captures the 'why' of code decisions beyond the 'what', ensuring the reasoning for API changes and feature developments remains clear and accessible.

Structure architectural decision records by using a standardized ADR template and storing the files in a 'docs/decisions/' directory. This organizes significant technical decisions, API changes, and feature developments into a clear, maintainable format for your team.

You need to create an architectural decision record whenever your team makes significant technical decisions, such as introducing API changes or developing major features. Recording these decisions ensures the rationale and context are preserved for future codebase maintenance.

Yes, you can use inline documentation to explain the reasoning behind code changes. This practice clarifies the 'why' of your code choices, complementing architectural decision records by providing immediate context directly within the codebase.

Relying solely on inline documentation limits the broader context of significant technical decisions, as it explains local code choices but lacks the dedicated space for alternative considerations and high-level rationale that architectural decision records provide.