Documenting Decisions - Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)

Welcome to the comprehensive guide on Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)! This page will help you understand the importance of documenting significant architectural choices and their rationale.

What are ADRs?

ADRs are documents that capture significant architectural decisions, along with their context and consequences. They play a crucial role in preserving the rationale behind decisions and providing a historical record for future reference.

Key Benefits

• Facilitating Understanding: Helps new team members understand past decisions.
• Streamlining Discussions: Makes discussions about potential changes more efficient.
• Establishing a Clear Decision Log: Provides a clear and consistent record of decisions.

Explore ADR Resources

• Tools and Templates for Effective ADRs
• Linking ADRs with C4 Models

Detailed Overview

ADR Components

An ADR typically includes the following components:

• Title: A concise title that describes the decision.
• Status: The current status of the decision (e.g., proposed, accepted, deprecated).
• Context: The context and background information leading to the decision.
• Decision: The decision itself, clearly stated.
• Consequences: The expected outcomes and impacts of the decision.

Implementation Workflow

Implementing ADRs involves several steps:

1. Identifying the Need: Recognize when an ADR is necessary.
2. Defining the Problem: Clearly define the problem or challenge.
3. Considering Options: Explore and evaluate potential solutions.
4. Making the Decision: Choose the best solution and document it.
5. Documenting Consequences: Record the expected outcomes and impacts.

Maintenance Strategies

Maintaining ADRs involves:

• Regular Reviews: Periodically review and update ADRs to ensure they remain relevant.
• Version Control: Use version control to track changes and updates to ADRs.
• Integration with Tools: Integrate ADRs with your architecture tools for better management.

Conclusion

Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) are an essential tool for documenting and managing architectural decisions. By capturing the context, decision, and consequences, ADRs provide a clear and consistent record that benefits your entire team.