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Architectural Decision Record

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Streamline your architectural decision documentation process.

by github37.7k stars on github/awesome-copilot
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Updated Aug 10, 2026
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What Architectural Decision Record does

The Create Architectural Decision Record skill is designed to facilitate the generation of structured ADR documents that are optimized for both AI processing and human readability. This skill allows users to succinctly document important architectural decisions, ensuring that all relevant information is captured in a standardized format. By using this skill, teams can maintain a clear history of decisions made throughout a project, which is essential for future reference and accountability.

When utilizing this skill, users will provide key inputs such as the decision title, context, decision details, alternatives considered, and stakeholders involved. The skill validates these inputs to ensure completeness before generating the ADR. This structured approach not only enhances clarity but also aids in the decision-making process by documenting both the positive and negative consequences of each choice made. The use of coded bullet points for multi-item sections further simplifies the reading and parsing of information.

This skill is particularly beneficial for software architects, project managers, and development teams who need to document architectural decisions systematically. It fosters better communication among stakeholders and provides a reference point for future decisions, thus reducing ambiguity and miscommunication. By adhering to a standardized format, the ADRs produced can be easily integrated into existing documentation workflows, enhancing overall project transparency.

In summary, the Create Architectural Decision Record skill is a valuable tool for teams looking to improve their decision documentation practices. It ensures that all decisions are recorded thoroughly and consistently, making it easier to track the evolution of architectural choices over time.

When to use it

Use this skill when you need to create clear and concise architectural decision records for your projects.

When not to use it

This skill may not be suitable for informal documentation or when quick notes are sufficient, as it requires structured input and adherence to a specific format.

What you can build with it

Documenting a New Technology Choice

When evaluating new technologies, use this skill to document the decision-making process and alternatives considered.

Maintaining Project Transparency

Generate ADRs to keep stakeholders informed about architectural decisions and their implications throughout the project lifecycle.

Reviewing Past Decisions

Utilize the ADRs created to review and analyze past architectural decisions, facilitating discussions on potential improvements.

How to install Architectural Decision Record

View source

1. Install with the skills CLI

npx skills add github/awesome-copilot/create-architectural-decision-record --agent claude-code

2. Or install it manually

Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.

Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs

Inside SKILL.md

Written by github

Create Architectural Decision Record

Create an ADR document for ${input:DecisionTitle} using structured formatting optimized for AI consumption and human readability.

Inputs

  • Context: ${input:Context}
  • Decision: ${input:Decision}
  • Alternatives: ${input:Alternatives}
  • Stakeholders: ${input:Stakeholders}

Input Validation

If any of the required inputs are not provided or cannot be determined from the conversation history, ask the user to provide the missing information before proceeding with ADR generation.

Requirements

  • Use precise, unambiguous language
  • Follow standardized ADR format with front matter
  • Include both positive and negative consequences
  • Document alternatives with rejection rationale
  • Structure for machine parsing and human reference
  • Use coded bullet points (3-4 letter codes + 3-digit numbers) for multi-item sections

The ADR must be saved in the /docs/adr/ directory using the naming convention: adr-NNNN-[title-slug].md, where NNNN is the next sequential 4-digit number (e.g., adr-0001-database-selection.md).

Required Documentation Structure

The documentation file must follow the template below, ensuring that all sections are filled out appropriately. The front matter for the markdown should be structured correctly as per the example following:

---
title: "ADR-NNNN: [Decision Title]"
status: "Proposed"
date: "YYYY-MM-DD"
authors: "[Stakeholder Names/Roles]"
tags: ["architecture", "decision"]
supersedes: ""
superseded_by: ""
---

# ADR-NNNN: [Decision Title]

## Status

**Proposed** | Accepted | Rejected | Superseded | Deprecated

## Context

[Problem statement, technical constraints, business requirements, and environmental factors requiring this decision.]

## Decision

[Chosen solution with clear rationale for selection.]

## Consequences

### Positive

- **POS-001**: [Beneficial outcomes and advantages]
- **POS-002**: [Performance, maintainability, scalability improvements]
- **POS-003**: [Alignment with architectural principles]

### Negative

- **NEG-001**: [Trade-offs, limitations, drawbacks]
- **NEG-002**: [Technical debt or complexity introduced]
- **NEG-003**: [Risks and future challenges]

## Alternatives Considered

### [Alternative 1 Name]

- **ALT-001**: **Description**: [Brief technical description]
- **ALT-002**: **Rejection Reason**: [Why this option was not selected]

### [Alternative 2 Name]

- **ALT-003**: **Description**: [Brief technical description]
- **ALT-004**: **Rejection Reason**: [Why this option was not selected]

## Implementation Notes

- **IMP-001**: [Key implementation considerations]
- **IMP-002**: [Migration or rollout strategy if applicable]
- **IMP-003**: [Monitoring and success criteria]

## References

- **REF-001**: [Related ADRs]
- **REF-002**: [External documentation]
- **REF-003**: [Standards or frameworks referenced]

Frequently asked questions about Architectural Decision Record

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