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An Architecture Decision Record (ADR) is a structured document that records important architectural decisions made during the development of a system. It provides context, explains the rationale behind the decision, and outlines the potential consequences. ADRs help teams maintain a clear and consistent history of decisions, ensuring transparency and traceability throughout a project's lifecycle.

Key Components of an ADR:

• Title: A short, descriptive name of the decision, summarizing the architectural choice.
• Context: A detailed description of the problem or situation that necessitates a decision. It explains the background, including technical constraints, business goals, and other relevant factors.
• Decision: A clear and concise statement of the decision that was made, outlining the direction the team will follow.
• Alternatives: A summary of the different options considered. Each alternative should include pros and cons, as well as why it was ultimately not chosen. This demonstrates that multiple solutions were evaluated and thought through.
• Consequences: The impact of the decision, including the trade-offs, risks, benefits, and long-term implications. It covers both positive and negative outcomes of the choice.
• Participants: The names or roles of the people or teams who were responsible for making the decision. This ensures accountability and clarity regarding who has authority over key architectural choices.
• Status: The current status of the decision, such as "Proposed," "Accepted," "Rejected," or "Superseded." It shows whether the decision is final or if it's subject to change.
• Date: The date on which the decision was made. This helps establish a timeline for the decision-making process and provides context for when the choice was relevant.

Example ADR Template: