Documenting distributed systems is a complex task due to their inherent complexity and the changing nature of their design and operation. A useful method for documenting these systems is to use an architecture decision record (ADR). An ADR is a document that captures a significant architectural decision made along with its context and consequences. This approach helps to keep track of decisions made during the system’s lifecycle, facilitating understanding and maintenance.
The ADR should be written in a simple and clear language, avoiding technical jargon as much as possible. It should include the context of the decision, the decision itself, and the consequences of that decision. The ADR becomes a part of the system’s documentation, providing a historical context of the decisions made.
Apart from ADRs, system diagrams are another effective tool for documenting distributed systems. They provide a visual representation of the system and its components, helping to understand the system’s structure and interactions. However, diagrams should be used as a complementary tool to ADRs, not as a substitute.
In conclusion, documenting distributed systems can be a challenging task, but using tools like ADRs and system diagrams can simplify the process and improve the system’s maintainability.
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