mcaf-adr-writing

To write an Architecture Decision Record with verification, use a standardized template to define context, alternatives, consequences, and explicit invariants. This ensures architectural choices are self-contained and testable against repository rules.

Documenting software architecture boundaries and dependencies is best achieved by creating Architecture Decision Records augmented with Mermaid diagrams, which visually illustrate interactions while explicitly capturing the decision context and consequences.

You add Mermaid diagrams to an ADR by applying template-driven documentation that integrates Mermaid syntax to illustrate boundaries and interactions. This standardizes architectural records while making complex data models visually self-contained.

You should create an Architecture Decision Record when changes affect architecture, boundaries, dependencies, data models, or cross-cutting patterns. This ensures significant structural shifts are documented with testable verification steps.

Yes, this ADR approach works without external dependencies because it relies on standard repository templates and Mermaid diagrams. It enforces executable invariants and required tests validated directly against your repository rules.