Good architecture is as much about communication as it is about code. A well-documented architecture bridges the gap between vision and implementation, aligning teams and ensuring longevity for your systems. Software architecture docs are the blueprint for understanding, talking about, and changing a system’s design. It helps teams work together better by keeping track of important decisions and details. Good docs make it easier to scale, debug, and improve the system, plus everyone understands what’s going on. Keep your docs short, useful, and organized (like using ADRs, RFCs, etc.). Think of them as code—always updating.
Here are a few ways of writing and managing one:
1️⃣ Architecture Decision Records (ADRs)
Every choice in architecture has consequences—technical, operational, and cultural. ADRs provide a lightweight, structured way to document why decisions were made, the trade-offs considered, and the context at the time. They’re invaluable for future teams to understand the why behind the how.
2️⃣ Request for Comments (RFCs)
Collaboration is key for a sound architecture. RFCs enable open dialogue by inviting feedback on proposed changes before implementation. They create a culture of shared ownership, making the architecture a living, evolving entity rather than a rigid blueprint.
3️⃣ Event Storming
When designing complex systems, especially those using event-driven architectures, event storming helps. By focusing on business events, you uncover hidden domain knowledge, identify bottlenecks, and align stakeholders—technical and non-technical alike.
4️⃣ The C4 Model
Clarity is king. The C4 model—Context, Containers, Components, and Code—provides a zoom-in/zoom-out approach to documentation that scales with your audience. Whether you’re talking to a developer or a CEO, the C4 model ensures they see what they need to see.
Practice-Verified Commands and Codes:
1. ADRs in Markdown Format
Create an ADR template in Markdown:
[markdown]
[Decision ]
Status: [Proposed | Accepted | Deprecated]
Context
[Describe the problem or opportunity]
Decision
[Explain the decision made]
Consequences
[Positive and negative outcomes]
[/markdown]
2. RFC Workflow with Git
Use Git to manage RFCs:
git checkout -b rfc/new-feature git add rfc/new-feature.md git commit -m "Add RFC for new feature" git push origin rfc/new-feature
3. Event Storming with Miro or Lucidchart
Use tools like Miro or Lucidchart to visualize event storming sessions. Export diagrams as PDFs for documentation:
<h1>Convert Miro board to PDF (example)</h1> miro export --board-id <board_id> --format pdf --output event-storming.pdf
4. C4 Model with PlantUML
Use PlantUML to generate C4 diagrams:
[plantuml]
@startuml
!include C4_Context.puml
Person(user, “User”)
System(system, “Software System”)
Rel(user, system, “Uses”)
@enduml
[/plantuml]
What Undercode Say:
Software architecture documentation is the backbone of any scalable and maintainable system. By leveraging tools like ADRs, RFCs, Event Storming, and the C4 model, teams can ensure clarity, collaboration, and consistency in their architectural decisions. ADRs provide a historical record of decisions, while RFCs foster a culture of open dialogue and shared ownership. Event Storming helps uncover hidden complexities in event-driven systems, and the C4 model ensures that documentation is accessible to all stakeholders, from developers to executives.
To further enhance your documentation process, consider integrating these practices with version control systems like Git and visualization tools like PlantUML or Miro. For example, use Git to track changes in ADRs and RFCs, and automate diagram generation with PlantUML. Additionally, tools like Markdown for documentation ensure readability and maintainability.
In Linux, you can automate documentation workflows using shell scripts. For instance, a script to generate ADRs:
#!/bin/bash
adr_title=$1
adr_file="adr/$(date +%Y%m%d)-${adr_title}.md"
cat > $adr_file <<EOL
<h1>${adr_title}</h1>
<h2>Status: Proposed</h2>
<h2>Context</h2>
[Describe the problem or opportunity]
<h2>Decision</h2>
[Explain the decision made]
<h2>Consequences</h2>
[Positive and negative outcomes]
EOL
echo "ADR created: ${adr_file}"
For Windows users, PowerShell scripts can achieve similar results:
$adr_title = $args[0]
$adr_file = "adr/$(Get-Date -Format 'yyyyMMdd')-${adr_title}.md"
@"
<h1>${adr_title}</h1>
<h2>Status: Proposed</h2>
<h2>Context</h2>
[Describe the problem or opportunity]
<h2>Decision</h2>
[Explain the decision made]
<h2>Consequences</h2>
[Positive and negative outcomes]
"@ | Out-File -FilePath $adr_file
Write-Output "ADR created: ${adr_file}"
By adopting these practices and tools, you can create a robust documentation process that evolves with your system, ensuring long-term maintainability and scalability. For more resources, check out C4 Model Documentation and ADR GitHub Repository.
Conclusion:
Documentation is not just a formality; it’s a strategic asset. By treating it as code and continuously updating it, you ensure that your architecture remains resilient and adaptable. Use the tools and commands provided to streamline your documentation process and empower your team to build better systems.
References:
Hackers Feeds, Undercode AI
