architecture decision record
An architecture decision record captures a consequential choice and its context.
Use this when A design choice is likely to be revisited after its context is forgotten.
without the term
“We picked Postgres over Mongo for good reasons, but the agent keeps suggesting Mongo. Can you write down the decision and why, somewhere it'll be seen next time?”
with the term · How do you ask a model for architecture decision record?
Write an ADR for this boundary: context, chosen approach, alternatives, and consequences. Check it against existing decisions before implementation.
What is architecture decision record?
An ADR is a short document recording a significant technical decision: the context, the choice, the alternatives considered, and the consequences. Future readers, including agents, can see why it was made.
Why does architecture decision record matter when vibe coding?
An agent may propose a discarded approach without seeing why it was rejected.
How do you do architecture decision record?
Record the decision when it is made and link it to the constraint or evidence behind it.
What goes wrong with architecture decision record?
Writing a retrospective justification that omits the real tradeoff.