documentation-and-adrs

An architecture decision record (ADR) captures the rationale, context, and consequences behind architectural choices. You need an ADR when making decisions that affect architecture, public APIs, shipping features, or onboarding to prevent knowledge loss.

Document architectural decisions by creating an ADR using a template in a structured folder like docs/decisions/. Start with ADR-001 and fill in the Context, Decision, and Consequences sections to preserve engineering rationale.

Write inline documentation to explain intent, constraints, and alternatives within the codebase. Following inline documentation guidelines ensures future engineers and agents understand the context behind specific implementation choices during knowledge transfer.

Organize ADRs in a structured repository pattern such as docs/decisions/ to facilitate knowledge transfer. Using consistent ADR templates for decisions and trade-offs makes onboarding new team members significantly more efficient.

Yes, using ADRs and inline documentation practices supports knowledge transfer across codebases. Structured repository patterns and decision records ensure engineering rationale is preserved for future engineers as teams evolve.

An ADR template should include Context, Decision, and Consequences sections to capture decisions, trade-offs, and alternatives. This structure ensures the engineering rationale behind API changes and feature shipping is fully preserved.