What is the difference between An Architectural Decision Record (ADR) and a Lightweight Architectural Decision Record (LADR)?
An Architectural Decision Record (ADR) and a Lightweight Architectural Decision Record (LADR) are both documents used to capture and document architectural decisions made during a software project.
An ADR is a document that captures the context, rationale, and implications of significant architectural decisions made during a software project. It provides a historical record of decisions and helps stakeholders understand the reasoning behind them.
A Lightweight Architectural Decision Record (LADR) is a simplified version of an ADR proposed by Thoughtworks. It aims to capture the essential information about an architectural decision without the need for extensive documentation. LADRs are designed to be concise, focusing on the key aspects of the decision while omitting less critical details. https://www.thoughtworks.com/en-us/radar/techniques/lightweight-architecture-decision-records
The main difference between an ADR and a LADR lies in the level of detail and formality. ADRs are typically more comprehensive and structured, following a specific template that covers various sections such as context, decision, rationale, alternatives, and implications. They provide a thorough explanation of the decision-making process and are suitable for complex or critical decisions. You can find a list of ADR Templates here: https://github.com/joelparkerhenderson/architecture-decision-record
On the other hand, LADRs strip down the ADR template to its essential elements, often simplifying the structure and omitting sections that may not be necessary for less impactful decisions. LADRs prioritize brevity and ease of understanding, making them more lightweight and accessible. You can find a LADR Template here: https://github.com/peter-evans/lightweight-architecture-decision-records/blob/master/0001-ladr-template.md
In terms of file format, there is typically no inherent difference between an Architectural Decision Record (ADR) and a Lightweight Architectural Decision Record (LADR). The file format is primarily determined by the preferences and tools used by the project team or organization.
The format you choose for Architectural Decision Records (ADRs) and Lightweight Architectural Decision Records (LADRs) depends on what you and your team prefer. You can use different file formats like plain text, Markdown, Word(.docx), or PDF. ADRs and LADRs can be stored in various places like Github, Sharepoint, or others. However, many authors suggest that using Markdown format and storing them in a directory called “docs” within the application’s Github repository is the correct and preferred way to go.
Personally, I believe that Markdown (.md) is the ideal choice for Lightweight Architectural Decision Records (LADRs) due to its simplicity, readability, and compatibility with version control systems. When it comes to documenting LADRs, simplicity and ease of use are paramount, and Markdown excels in these aspects.
Imagine being immersed in a fast-paced software project where capturing and communicating important architectural decisions quickly is crucial. In such a scenario, Markdown provides a lightweight markup language that is both intuitive and easy to learn. Its simple syntax allows you to focus on the content itself, rather than getting caught up in the complexities of formatting. With Markdown, you can effortlessly create headings, bullet lists, links, and code snippets, effectively structuring your LADR without the need for complicated word processing software.
One significant advantage of Markdown is its exceptional readability. Markdown files can be opened and edited with basic text editors, making them accessible to all members of the team. This makes it far more convenient to work with LADRs by using a tool like Visual Studio, as opposed to dealing with the hassle of opening multiple Word documents simultaneously.
On the other hand, for extensive and detailed Architectural Decision Records (ADRs), I personally recommend using Microsoft Word or other word processing software with the .docx format.
When you create ADRs, it’s important to present information in a structured and visually pleasing way. Word processing software gives you many options to format your ADRs. You can insert images for application flows or diagrams, create headings, subheadings, bullet points, and tables. This variety of formatting options helps you organize and present your ADRs in a visually appealing manner, making them easier to understand for stakeholders and future team members.
A Word processing software allows you to include detailed descriptions and explanations. You can highlight important points with different formatting styles, font sizes, and colors. This level of detail is useful when you need to explain complex architectural decisions thoroughly.
Word processing software also makes it easy to include images and diagrams to visually illustrate your ADRs. These visuals help people understand the architectural concepts or system diagrams better, even if they’re not experts in the technical details.
The decision to use either an ADR or a LADR depends on the significance and complexity of the decision being made. Major architectural decisions or those with far-reaching consequences might warrant the use of a comprehensive ADR, ensuring all aspects are thoroughly documented. For smaller, less impactful decisions, a LADR can provide sufficient documentation without excessive overhead.
