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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture C4 Model | ![]() Knowledge Modeling Ontology Design Patterns | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | Ontology Design Patterns provide reusable building blocks for recurring modeling problems. The method brings structure to the search for clean concepts, relationships, and roles. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 1-3 h pro Pattern | 15-45 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 | 1-6 | 1-3 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Selected Patterns, Adapted Schema Fragments, Pattern Documentation | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | OntologyPatternsReuseSemanticModeling | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |



