Architecture Documentation Skill

Purpose

Generate comprehensive architecture documentation using the Arc42 template structure with C4 model diagrams. This produces "Explanation" type documentation in the Diátaxis framework.

Smart Interaction

ASK the User When:

• Creating new architecture doc: Confirm scope (full system vs specific subsystem)
• Deleting architecture doc: Always confirm before deletion
• Major restructure: Changing architecture doc organization

PROCEED Autonomously When:

• Updating existing doc: Add new components, update diagrams
• Adding diagrams: Enhance existing documentation
• Syncing with code: Update to reflect architectural changes
• Fixing outdated info: Correct inaccuracies

Documentation Principles (CRITICAL)

Before writing ANY documentation, review ../DOCUMENTATION_PRINCIPLES.md for:

1. Ground Truth Only - Document what exists in code, no speculation
2. Writing Tone - Clear and educational without audience labels
3. Code Examples - Real files with paths and line numbers
4. Performance Docs - Techniques + measurement methods, NOT estimated timings
5. What NOT to include - No troubleshooting, future work, or meta-commentary
6. Diagrams - Use when they clarify technicals, not for decoration

These principles override any template suggestions that conflict with them.

Instructions

When documenting system architecture:

1. Explore the entire codebase to understand the system
2. Use the Arc42 template at templates/arc42.md
3. Generate C4 diagrams in Mermaid at all 4 levels
4. Document all architectural decisions or link to ADRs
5. Output to /docs/architecture/[system].md

Template

Use the template at: .claude/skills/document-architecture/templates/arc42.md

The template includes all 12 Arc42 sections:

1. Introduction and Goals
2. Constraints
3. Context and Scope
4. Solution Strategy
5. Building Block View
6. Runtime View
7. Deployment View
8. Crosscutting Concepts
9. Architecture Decisions
10. Quality Requirements
11. Risks and Technical Debt
12. Glossary

C4 Diagram Standards

Use Mermaid with C4 naming conventions:

graph TB
    subgraph "System Context"
        User[User]
        System[ACR Automotive]
        External[External System]
    end
    User --> System
    System --> External

C4 Levels

Level	Purpose	When to Use
1. Context	System in environment	Always
2. Container	High-level tech components	Always
3. Component	Internal structure	For complex containers
4. Code	Class/function level	Rarely, only when needed

Output Location

Scope	Output Path
Full system	/docs/architecture/OVERVIEW.md
Subsystem	/docs/architecture/[SUBSYSTEM].md

Quality Checklist

Before completing:

• All 12 Arc42 sections present
• C4 diagrams at context, container, component levels
• At least one runtime sequence diagram
• Links to existing ADRs
• Glossary with domain terms
• Quality scenarios defined with metrics

Examples

Creating New Docs (Will Ask User)

• "Document the system architecture" → Ask: Full system or specific subsystem?
• "Create architecture docs" → Creates /docs/architecture/OVERVIEW.md

Updating Existing Docs (Autonomous)

• "Update architecture with new search service" → Updates existing OVERVIEW.md
• "Add deployment diagram" → Adds to existing doc
• "Document the new caching layer" → Adds to existing architecture doc

Subsystem Documentation

• "Document the search system architecture" → Creates /docs/architecture/SEARCH.md
• "Create architecture docs for data import" → Creates /docs/architecture/DATA_IMPORT.md