Architecture Decision Records (ADR)
Guide for creating and managing ADRs in the HRMS project
Architecture Decision Records (ADR) Guide
This guide defines how we document significant architectural decisions.
Core Rule
LOCATION MANDATE
DO NOT create ADR files in this documentation repository.
ALWAYS create ADR files in the code repository at: docs/adr/
What is an ADR?
An Architecture Decision Record (ADR) captures an important architectural decision along with its context and consequences. ADRs help:
- Document why decisions were made
- Provide historical context for future developers
- Prevent revisiting the same decisions repeatedly
- Enable AI coding assistants to understand constraints
When to Create an ADR
Create an ADR when:
- Adding new technology to the stack
- Changing an established pattern
- Making decisions that affect multiple modules
- Deviating from the documented constraints
Naming Convention
Save files in the hrms code repository as:
docs/adr/XXX-short-title.mdXXX= Sequential number (001, 002, etc.)short-title= Kebab-case description
Examples:
001-use-prisma-over-typeorm.md002-add-redis-caching.md
ADR Template
Copy the following template for every new ADR:
# ADR-XXX: [Short Title]
## Status
**[Proposed | Accepted | Deprecated | Superseded by ADR-XXX]**
## Date
YYYY-MM-DD
## Context
*What is the issue that we're seeing that is motivating this decision or change?*
Describe:
- The problem or opportunity
- The constraints we're working within
- Any relevant background information
## Decision
*What is the change that we're proposing and/or doing?*
We will [describe the decision].
Example:
> We will use Redis for session caching to improve response times for authenticated requests.
## Consequences
*What becomes easier or more difficult to do because of this change?*
### Positive
- Benefit 1
- Benefit 2
### Negative
- Drawback 1
- Drawback 2
### Neutral
- Observation 1
## Alternatives Considered
### Alternative 1: [Name]
*Why was this rejected?*
### Alternative 2: [Name]
*Why was this rejected?*
## Related Documents
- [Link to relevant documentation]
- [Link to relevant constraints]