In MDC3, which statement best describes the purpose of an architecture decision record (ADR)?

• A. An ADR is used to document coding standards.
• B. An ADR documents architectural decisions, rationale, alternatives considered, and status for future reference.
• C. An ADR tracks marketing efforts.
• D. An ADR defines data retention policies.

Answer: (B)

An architecture decision record is a concise note that captures a specific architectural decision, the reasoning behind it, the alternatives considered, and its current status for future reference. This makes it clear why a design choice was made, what trade-offs were weighed, and under what conditions the decision should be revisited if requirements change. That’s why the best description is that it documents architectural decisions, the rationale, alternatives considered, and status for future reference. Other options don’t fit because coding standards, marketing efforts, and data retention policies pertain to separate areas (coding practices, business goals, and data governance) rather than recording architectural decisions and their reasoning.