Architecture Decision Record
Architecture Decision Record is a software engineering concept for documenting significant technical choices with context and tradeoffs so mobile teams ship maintainable systems.
This definition sits in our Software Engineering glossary cluster alongside Bounded Context Mobile and Technical Specification Doc.
Definition of Architecture Decision Record
Architecture Decision Record in practical software engineering means documenting significant technical choices with context and tradeoffs. For lean teams, results are strongest when each cycle tracks ADR count referenced in onboarding docs instead of architecture theater. A recurring failure mode is ADRs written after decision without alternatives considered, which slows delivery and increases production risk.
Why Architecture Decision Record matters
- It gives a concrete lever to improve ADR count referenced in onboarding docs with limited senior bandwidth.
- It connects code quality, API design, and team process to outcomes.
- It reduces rework by making tradeoffs explicit before scale bites.
- It prevents ADRs written after decision without alternatives considered from compounding into release-blocking debt.
Example: Architecture Decision Record on a mobile product team
An engineering team applies Architecture Decision Record by focusing on ADR records why SQLite chosen over Realm for offline cache. After the next release, they review movement in ADR count referenced in onboarding docs and adjust standards or tooling.
Related terms for Architecture Decision Record
Terms that reference Architecture Decision Record
Common questions about Architecture Decision Record
How should a small team adopt Architecture Decision Record without overengineering?
Start where ADR count referenced in onboarding docs hurts most and apply Architecture Decision Record to that module or API first. Document the decision, measure impact, then expand only if payoff is clear.
What is the most common mistake with Architecture Decision Record?
The common trap is ADRs written after decision without alternatives considered. When this happens, velocity drops and incidents rise while teams debate patterns instead of shipping.
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