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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture arc42 |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | The Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-2 Tage | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1-4 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes |
Tags1 shared | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop |
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