Software Architecture

Decision Log Generator

Create structured Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) to document important technical decisions, their context, options considered, and rationale.

Estimated time: 5-10 min
Difficulty level: Beginner
Privacy: Runs locally
All Software Architecture tools
5000ms CPU256MB RAM64KB in · 256KB outEducational, no sensitive data
Mode

Export

Download results as PDF, CSV, or JSON.

Run the tool to enable exports.

Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)

Why Document Decisions?

  • Knowledge transfer helps new team members understand why decisions were made
  • Avoid re-litigation by preventing the same discussions from repeating
  • Track evolution so you can see how the architecture has changed over time
  • Accountability comes from recording who made decisions and when

ADR Best Practices

  • Keep them immutable. Do not edit old ADRs. Create a new ADR that supersedes the old one
  • Store with code by keeping ADRs in your repository, for example in /docs/decisions/
  • Link related ADRs by referencing earlier decisions that influenced this one
  • Be concise by focusing on the why rather than the what

ADR Template Structure

A good ADR includes a short title, context for what prompted the decision, the decision itself, the options you considered, and your rationale. If the decision changes the system in a meaningful way, add consequences so readers know what to expect.