# [short title of solved problem and solution]

- Status: [proposed | rejected | accepted | deprecated | … | superseded by [ADR-0005](0005-example.md)] <!-- optional -->
- Deciders: [list everyone involved in the decision] <!-- optional -->
- Date: [YYYY-MM-DD when the decision was last updated] <!-- optional -->

Technical Story: [description | ticket/issue URL] <!-- optional -->

## Context and Problem Statement

[Describe the context and problem statement, e.g., in free form using two to three sentences. You may want to articulate the problem in form of a question.]

## Decision Drivers <!-- optional -->

- [driver 1, e.g., a force, facing concern, …]
- [driver 2, e.g., a force, facing concern, …]
- … <!-- numbers of drivers can vary -->

## Considered Options

- [option 1]
- [option 2]
- [option 3]
- … <!-- numbers of options can vary -->

## Decision Outcome

Chosen option: "[option 1]",
because [justification. e.g., only option, which meets k.o. criterion decision driver | which resolves force force | … | comes out best (see below)]
.

### Consequences <!-- optional - Positive and negative consequences. -->

- [e.g., improvement of quality attribute satisfaction, follow-up decisions required, …]
- …

## Pros and Cons of the Options <!-- optional -->

### [option 1]

[example | description | pointer to more information | …] <!-- optional -->

- Good, because [argument a]
- Good, because [argument b]
- Bad, because [argument c]
- … <!-- numbers of pros and cons can vary -->

### [option 2]

[example | description | pointer to more information | …] <!-- optional -->

- Good, because [argument a]
- Good, because [argument b]
- Bad, because [argument c]
- … <!-- numbers of pros and cons can vary -->

### [option 3]

[example | description | pointer to more information | …] <!-- optional -->

- Good, because [argument a]
- Good, because [argument b]
- Bad, because [argument c]
- … <!-- numbers of pros and cons can vary -->

## Links <!-- optional -->

- [Link type] [Link to ADR] <!-- example: Refined by [ADR-0005](0005-example.md) -->
- … <!-- numbers of links can vary -->

Have you ever been in a situation where you’re left scratching your head, wondering,

• "Why did we do it this way?" or

• “Didn’t anyone see the fallout from this decision coming?"

These moments are all too common in the fast-paced world of software development, where every decision can lead to success or necessitate a costly do-over. This brings us to the crux of the matter: Did the team deliberate thoroughly before making their choices?

Architecture Decision Records to the Rescue

Decision-making in the face of uncertainty, Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) have been our compass. They provide a structured method to navigate the complexities of decision-making, ensuring that each choice we make is informed and strategic. But why are ADRs so critical in this high-stakes environment?

The power of ADRs - or just Why should I?

In our experience, ADRs are more than just documents (mostly short 1 pager). They are a testament to the critical architectural decisions that shape a project. These records do a few crucial things:

• they offer a historical narrative on the 'whys' of our decisions,

• they bring new team members up to speed,

• and they guide future decision-making processes.

The essence of ADRs lies not just in documenting what decisions were made but in detailing the rationale behind these choices, considering the alternatives, and the reasons for the final decision.

Implementing ADRs: A Step-by-Step Approach

1. Start Early: I’ve learned the hard way that the best time to start documenting ADRs is at the onset of the project. This ensures all pivotal decisions are captured right from the start - even if already far in the future start documenting. You will thank me later when the person who made the decision is not on the team anymore.

2. Simplicity is Key: ADRs should be straightforward, focusing on the decision, its context, rationale, and the alternatives considered.

3. Consistency Through Templates: Using a standard template for ADRs has helped maintain uniformity and ensure that all vital information is documented. Make sure everyone uses the same template.

4. Accessibility: I make sure ADRs are stored in a central, easily accessible location, making it simple for team members to reference them when needed. We keep them in the relevant repositories inside the folder docs > ADRs. You can also keep them in your favorite knowledge base of choice. It is the number one thing we give new members to read. They always ❤️ it and are thankful.

5. Regular Reviews: As projects evolve, so do decisions. Regularly revisiting ADRs ensures they remain relevant and updated. We have even ADRs that revert the decisions of previous ADRs because our environment or requirements changed.

Real-world Examples of ADRs in Action

For an expansive international online shop, the journey toward optimizing our conversion goals is a testament to the strategic prowess of ADRs. The challenge lay in selecting the appropriate frameworks, tools, and services—from email marketing platforms and customer support centers to analytics tools—that aligned with our ambitious conversion objectives. This decisive document did not merely facilitate the choice of technologies; it provided a holistic view that encompassed marketing strategies and operational efficiencies. As a result, the ADR was instrumental in steering the e-commerce platform towards a suite of solutions that significantly boosted our conversion rates, enhancing our global market presence.

In a contrasting scenario, we engaged with an innovative company specializing in autonomous robots, facing the daunting task of harmonizing the efforts of multiple teams working on different components of the project. The pivotal decision to adopt a monorepo structure was detailed in an ADR, which argued for the benefits of simplified dependency management, streamlined code reviews, and enhanced collaboration across teams. Moreover, the ADR guided us through selecting technologies that supported this unified approach, ensuring compatibility and ease of use for all team members. This strategic document not only facilitated a smoother development process but also fostered a culture of transparency and cooperation, enabling the teams to deliver a cohesive and robust product suite for autonomous robots, thereby advancing the company's technological edge.

Common Challenges and Misconceptions

"ADRs Add Unnecessary Work": While it may seem that documenting decisions could slow down the project, the clarity and direction they provide even more save time and resources in the long run. Thanks to ChatGPT, Gemini, or other LLMs you can easily create first drafts very quickly.

"Only Major Decisions Need ADRs": While it's true that not every decision warrants an ADR, underestimating the impact of seemingly minor decisions can lead to issues down the line. If a decision has significant implications for the project, it should be documented.

"ADRs Are Set in Stone": A common misconception is that once a decision is documented, it cannot be changed. In reality, ADRs are living documents that can and should be updated as new information becomes available or circumstances change.

Transform Your Architectural Decisions into Success Stories

Are you ready to harness the power of Architecture Decision Records in your projects?
At DevParadise, we specialize in helping businesses like yours implement effective ADR practices, ensuring that your software projects are not just successful but also resilient in the face of change.
Contact us today to learn how we can turn your architectural decisions into your competitive advantage.
Together, let's build software solutions that stand the test of time 🚀.