Architecture Decision Records
Architecture Decision Records, or ADRs, document important technical decisions that should outlive a single PR description.
ADR Format
Each ADR should include:
- Context
- Problem
- Options
- Decision
- Consequences
Naming Convention
Use zero-padded sequential names:
0001-settings-engine.md
0002-cache-strategy.md
0003-admin-settings-ui.md
When ADRs Are Required
Create an ADR for major architecture changes, cache systems, compatibility layers, large admin systems, frontend infrastructure decisions, persistence strategy changes, new dependency categories, or release/packaging architecture that changes project direction.
When ADRs Are Not Required
ADRs are not needed for small documentation edits, minor template changes, narrow bug fixes, or implementation details already covered by approved architecture docs.
Review Rule
An ADR should be introduced or updated through a focused documentation PR before or alongside the implementation PR that depends on it.