create-architectural-decision-record
About create-architectural-decision-record
A coding skill that guides an AI through creating a structured Architectural Decision Record from decision context and stakeholder input. It specifies a standard format, alternatives and consequences, and a numbered file path.
Key features
- 01Checks for missing decision inputs
- 02Uses standardized ADR front matter
- 03Records alternatives and consequences
- 04Applies coded bullets to multi-item sections
- 05Saves sequentially named ADR files
Use cases
- 01Recording an architecture choice and its context
- 02Comparing options with rejection rationales
- 03Documenting expected positive and negative effects
Install
Copy the command and run it in a terminal.
npx skills add https:/ / github.com/ github/ awesome-copilot --skill create-architectural-decision-recordAfter installing, type/create-architectural-decision-recordin Claude Code to confirm it loaded.
Details
From the project READMECreate Architectural Decision Record
Create an ADR document for ${input:DecisionTitle} using structured formatting optimized for AI consumption and human readability.
Inputs
- Context:
${input:Context} - Decision:
${input:Decision} - Alternatives:
${input:Alternatives} - Stakeholders:
${input:Stakeholders}
Input Validation
If any of the required inputs are not provided or cannot be determined from the conversation history, ask the user to provide the missing information before proceeding with ADR generation.
Requirements
- Use precise, unambiguous language
- Follow standardized ADR format with front matter
- Include both positive and negative consequences
- Document alternatives with rejection rationale
- Structure for machine parsing and human reference
- Use coded bullet points (3-4 letter codes + 3-digit numbers) for multi-item sections
The ADR must be saved in the /docs/adr/ directory using the naming convention: adr-NNNN-[title-slug].md, where NNNN is the next sequential 4-digit number (e.g., adr-0001-database-selection.md).
Required Documentation Structure
The documentation file must follow the template below, ensuring that all sections are filled out appropriately. The front matter for the markdown should be structured correctly as per the example following:
---
title: "ADR-NNNN: [Decision Title]"
status: "Proposed"
date: "YYYY-MM-DD"
authors: "[Stakeholder Names/Roles]"
tags: ["architecture", "decision"]
supersedes: ""
superseded_by: ""
---
# ADR-NNNN: [Decision Title]
## Status
**Proposed** | Accepted | Rejected | Superseded | Deprecated
## Context
[Problem statement, technical constraints, business requirements, and environmental factors requiring this decision.]
## Decision
[Chosen solution with clear rationale for selection.]
## Consequences
### Positive
- **POS-001**: [Beneficial outcomes and advantages]
- **POS-002**: [Performance, maintainability, scalability improvements]
- **POS-003**: [Alignment with architectural principles]
### Negative
- **NEG-001**: [Trade-offs, limitations, drawbacks]
- **NEG-002**: [Technical debt or complexity introduced]
- **NEG-003**: [Risks and future challenges]
## Alternatives Considered
### [Alternative 1 Name]
- **ALT-001**: **Description**: [Brief technical description]
- **ALT-002**: **Rejection Reason**: [Why this option was not selected]
### [Alternative 2 Name]
- **ALT-003**: **Description**: [Brief technical description]
- **ALT-004**: **Rejection Reason**: [Why this option was not selected]
## Implementation Notes
- **IMP-001**: [Key implementation considerations]
- **IMP-002**: [Migration or rollout strategy if applicable]
- **IMP-003**: [Monitoring and success criteria]
## References
- **REF-001**: [Related ADRs]
- **REF-002**: [External documentation]
- **REF-003**: [Standards or frameworks referenced]