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Selected:Architecture Decision RecordSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)C4 ModelChange Analysis
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Architecture C4 Model |  Operations Change Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | 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. | For a deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 1-4 h | 45-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 1-5 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action List |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison |