In the fast-paced world of software development, every project is riddled with choices. From selecting a database to adopting a specific framework, these architectural decisions lay the foundation for your system’s success. But with technology constantly evolving, how do you ensure your architecture remains flexible and adaptable? Lightweight Architecture Decision Records (LADRs) offer a powerful solution.

LADRs are essentially concise documents that capture the key architectural decisions made throughout your project’s lifecycle. They focus on the “what” (the decision itself), the “why” (the rationale behind it), and the “so what” (potential consequences and trade-offs). Unlike weighty technical documents, LADRs are simple, clear, and easy to understand. This fosters transparency within the team, allowing everyone to be on the same page. LADRs also serve as valuable onboarding tools for new team members, providing them with a clear understanding of the system’s architectural choices. Most importantly, LADRs empower you to revisit and potentially revise decisions as your project grows and requirements change. By documenting your architectural bets with LADRs, you keep your system agile, adaptable, and future-proof.

References

I use a format based on this template:

https://github.com/deshpandetanmay/lightweight-architecture-decision-records/tree/master/doc/adr