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| Criterion |  Engineering Golden Path |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Architecture C4 Model |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When teams need a reliable default path for frequent use, sprawl quickly emerges without any guiding logic. Golden Path bundles the preferred path so good practice becomes easy and deviation becomes deliberate. | 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. | 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. | 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 | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 Tage Setup, laufend | 10-20 min daily | 1-4 h | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 1 | 1-5 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Golden Path Guide, Templates, Quality Checks | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | EngineeringProductivityGovernance | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |