Rationale
GitLab requires Architecture Design Documents for all significant features. This ensures decisions are documented, reviewed, and accessible.
Requirements
- New features with architectural impact must have a design document
- Design document must include:
- Problem statement
- Proposed solution with trade-offs considered
- Alternatives evaluated
- Data model changes
- API contract changes
- Security considerations
- Rollback plan
- Design document must be reviewed by at least one architect
- Document must be stored in the repository or wiki
When Design Document is Required
- New service or module
- Database schema changes
- API contract changes
- Infrastructure changes
- Security-sensitive features
- Features affecting multiple teams
Template
# [Feature Name] Design Document
## Status: [Draft | In Review | Approved | Implemented]
## Problem Statement
## Proposed Solution
## Alternatives Considered
## Data Model
## API Contract
## Security Considerations
## Rollback Plan
## References
References
- Architecture Design Documents: https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/engineering/architecture/design/
- Architecture Workflow: https://handbook.gitlab.com/handbook/engineering/architecture/workflow/