writing-adrs

An architecture decision record documents a single architectural choice in your codebase. You write it using a provided template and checklist to ensure the decision, context, and consequences are clearly captured and organized within your repository.

You need to create an ADR whenever a significant software design choice impacts your codebase architecture. Documenting the decision helps maintain a living record that links the accepted design to the specific problem domain it resolves.

The best way to manage ADR updates is to treat them as living documents that reflect the latest architectural decisions. You update existing records by linking accepted changes to problem documentation and maintaining their lifecycle status within the repository.

Linking an accepted ADR to problem documentation connects your architectural decision directly to the design challenge it resolves. This ensures traceability between the chosen architecture and the underlying problem domain within your codebase.

Yes, you can use a standard template for writing architecture decision records. The provided template and checklist guide you to propose and accept ADRs concisely, ensuring every single decision follows your repository's documentation guidelines.

Keeping architecture decision records as living documents ensures your codebase management reflects the latest software design decisions. This prevents outdated architectural assumptions and maintains an accurate, organized history of problem resolution.