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| Criterion |  Architecture arc42 |  Architecture C4 Model |  Agile NoEstimates |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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 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 estimating slows a team down more than it helps, it shifts the focus to flow, small slices, and real lead time. It sorts work by value, risk, and delivery ability. The result is captured as Throughput Data, Flow Forecast, and Slicing Rules. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | 1-4 h | laufend | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-4 | 1-5 | 2-12 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Throughput Data, Flow Forecast, Slicing Rules | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | EstimationForecastingFlow | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |