ADRs #
What are ADRs? #
Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) are documents that capture important architectural decisions made during the course of a project. They are used to document the reasoning behind a particular decision, the alternatives considered, and the consequences of the decision. This structured documentation helps in maintaining a history of decisions, understanding the rationale behind them, and communicating them effectively to the team.
Why Use ADRs? #
- Documentation of Decisions: ADRs provide a formal way to document significant architectural decisions.
- Historical Context: They help in understanding the historical context of decisions.
- Consistency: ADRs ensure that decisions are consistently communicated across the team.
- Onboarding: They assist new team members in understanding the architectural choices made in the project.
- Decision Rationale: ADRs capture the rationale behind decisions, helping in future decision-making processes.
Structure of an ADR #
An ADR typically includes the following sections:
- Title: A clear and concise title for the decision.
- Date: The date when the decision was made.
- Status: The current status of the decision (e.g., proposed, accepted, deprecated).
- Context: A brief explanation of the situation that led to the need for the decision.
- Decision: The decision that was made.
- Consequences: The outcomes and consequences of the decision.
- Alternatives Considered: Other options that were considered and why they were not chosen.
