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ADR017 - Consequences Structure

In MADR format, the Consequences section should distinguish good and bad outcomes.

Why This Rule Exists

Structured consequences:

  • Clarify trade-offs explicitly
  • Help teams anticipate challenges
  • Make positive and negative impacts visible
  • Support informed decision-making

Formats

Option 1: Good/Bad Markers

Use "Good, because..." and "Bad, because..." format:

### Consequences

* Good, because it provides ACID compliance
* Good, because team has SQL experience
* Bad, because requires more operational overhead
* Neutral, because licensing costs are similar

Option 2: Separate Sections

Use separate positive/negative sections:

### Positive Consequences

* ACID compliance for data integrity
* Team familiarity reduces learning curve

### Negative Consequences

* Higher operational overhead
* More complex deployment

Examples

Incorrect

### Consequences

* Provides ACID compliance
* Team has SQL experience
* Requires more operational overhead

No distinction between good and bad outcomes.

Correct

### Consequences

* Good, because it provides ACID compliance
* Good, because team has SQL experience
* Bad, because requires more operational overhead

Or:

### Positive Consequences

* ACID compliance
* Team familiarity

### Negative Consequences

* Operational overhead

Rule Details

  • Rule ID: ADR017
  • Name: adr-consequences-structure
  • Category: Content
  • Severity: Info
  • Applies to: MADR format only
  • Automatic Fix: Not available
  • ADR006 - Required consequences (Nygard)
  • ADR014 - Non-empty sections