Architecture Decision Records (ADR)
A document that captures important architectural decisions and their context
What is an Architecture Decision Record (ADR)?
Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) are documents that capture important architectural decisions made during the development of a software system. Each ADR describes a choice the team has made, the context in which it was made, and the consequences of that choice.
Why ADRs are Important
Tip
Use this template to create your own ADRs. Once you read this page you can submit new ADRs to the Architecture Decision Records repository.
ADRs help teams:
- Document decisions for future reference
- Communicate architectural choices across the organization
- Onboard new team members by providing insight into past decisions
- Track the evolution of the system architecture over time
- Establish a process for making and documenting significant technical decisions
ADR Format
Our ADRs follow this structure:
- Title: A descriptive name for the decision
- Status: Current status (Proposed, Accepted, Superseded, etc.)
- Context: The factors that influenced the decision
- Decision: The choice that was made
- Consequences: The resulting outcomes, both positive and negative
- Compliance Requirements: Any regulatory or policy requirements that must be met
- Implementation Details: How and when the decision will be implemented
- Alternatives: Other options that were considered
- References: Resources that support or provide more information
- Decision History: The record of changes to the ADR
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