adr-tools
CLI for managing Architecture Decision Records
What is adr-tools?
adr-tools is a command-line tool for creating and managing Architecture Decision Records (ADRs). ADRs document significant technical decisions with their context and consequences, creating a decision log that helps future developers understand why the codebase is the way it is. Commands include `adr new "Use PostgreSQL for primary database"` to create a new ADR, `adr link` to connect related decisions, and `adr generate toc` for a table of contents. ADRs are stored as markdown files in your repository. For development teams, ADRs prevent knowledge loss when team members leave and stop the endless rehashing of past decisions. adr-tools makes maintaining ADRs low-friction enough that teams actually do it.
Pros
- Simple CLI
- Markdown output
- Lives in repository
- Links between ADRs
- Widely adopted format
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Command-line only
- Basic formatting
- No web interface