- Prompt at a glance
- Category
- Text & chat
- Works with
- Claude · ChatGPT · Gemini
- Length
- 76 words
- Fields to fill
- WHY WE HAD TO DECIDE, LIST, SHORT
- Last updated
Write an architecture decision record
An ADR records why your team made a technical decision. This prompt writes a one-page record with the options you considered, the trade-offs you accepted and when the decision should be looked at again.
Act as a staff engineer documenting a technical decision. Decision: [e.g. move background jobs from cron to a queue] Context: [WHY WE HAD TO DECIDE] Options we considered: [LIST] What we chose and why: [SHORT] Write an ADR with title, status, context, decision, options considered with pros and cons, consequences (good and bad), and when we should revisit it. Keep it under one page, neutral in tone, and understandable to someone joining the team next year.
The "consequences" section is the most useful one later. Be honest about the downsides you accepted.
From copy to answer in four steps
- 1
Open Claude and start a new chat.
- 2
Paste the prompt.
- 3
Replace each [BRACKETED] field with your real details and paste in your own text where asked.
- 4
Reply with follow-ups such as "make it shorter" or "make it sound more like me".
About this prompt
Which AI tools work with this prompt?
It is written for Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini. Paste it into your preferred tool and adjust the wording if the result is off.
What do I need to fill in?
Replace these fields before you send it: WHY WE HAD TO DECIDE, LIST, SHORT. Each field shows an example in the prompt.
Should I paste private information into the prompt?
Only what the task needs. Remove names, contact details and other sensitive data before pasting a resume or document into any AI tool.
