View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Agile Example Mapping |  Architecture C4 Model |  Agile Specification by Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a story carries business rules and exceptions, it brings clarity before implementation. It makes examples, open questions, and boundaries visible enough that the logic becomes jointly sound. | 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. | When business rules need to become precise, it ties language, example, and test together. It sorts work by value, risk, and delivery ability. The result is captured as an Example Table and Acceptance Tests. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 30-60 min | 1-4 h | 60-90 min pro Feature |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-7 | 1-5 | 3-6 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Example Map, Acceptance Criteria, Open Questions | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Example Table, Acceptance Tests |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Behavior-Driven DevelopmentRequirementsExamplesRefinement | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | AgileRequirementsExamplesBehavior-Driven Development |