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Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)

Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) capture important architectural and design decisions made during the evolution of Cxofacts. They provide context, rationale, and consequences for each decision, ensuring that the "why" behind the architecture is always documented.

Why ADRs Matter

  • Clarity: Avoids repeating the same debates by recording the rationale once.
  • Continuity: New team members can quickly understand why current architecture looks the way it does.
  • Governance: Ensures key choices are traceable and auditable, especially for enterprise-critical systems.
  • Agility with Memory: Decisions can evolve, but past reasoning remains documented (e.g., "superseded" ADRs).

Structure of an ADR

Each ADR is a short document that includes:
1. Title – A clear, concise decision statement.
2. Status – Proposed / Accepted / Deprecated / Superseded.
3. Context – Why this decision was necessary.
4. Decision – The option chosen.
5. Consequences – Both positive and negative outcomes of the decision.

Notes

  • ADRs are not detailed architecture guides. They are the decision log.
  • Detailed designs (e.g., GDP Framework, Connectors, Data Quality) remain in the Architecture section.
  • ADRs complement these guides by capturing why a specific approach was chosen at a given time.