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Criterion
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Paper illustration for ALPEN Method
Operations
ALPEN Method
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
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.An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time.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.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLowLow
Timedifferent
15-45 min1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung10-20 min daily1-2 Tage
Participantsdifferent
1-33-20 Reviewer11-4
Formatdifferent
AsyncAsyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
ADR File, Decision Log, RationaleRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsDaily Plan, Time Estimates, Review NotesArchitecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
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