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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture arc42 |  Operations Barrier Analysis |  Architecture C4 Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. | For a risk that can only be managed through multiple layers of protection, the method examines the effectiveness of each barrier. It shows where safeguards are missing, too weak, or fail under real conditions. | The C4 Model makes a system legible across several resolution levels, from context down to code. It suits situations where different audiences need to understand the same architecture from different altitudes. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-2 Tage | 2-4 h | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1-4 | 2-6 | 1-5 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | Root causeSafetyIncident | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization |