Documentation & Requirements

Overview

Software specifications capture the "what" and "why" before implementation addresses the "how." Well-structured requirements documents, architecture decisions, and executable specs reduce ambiguity, align stakeholders, and create verifiable acceptance criteria.

Document Types

Requirements Documents

Architecture Documents

Executable Specifications

Document Flow

Business Need
    │
    ▼
  BRD ──► "Should we build this?"
    │
    ▼
  PRD ──► "What are we building?"
    │
    ├──► ADR ──► "Why did we choose X over Y?"
    │
    ▼
  TRD ──► "How do we build it?"
    │
    ├──► RFC ──► "Proposing approach Z for feedback"
    │
    ▼
  Gherkin / Gauge ──► "How do we verify it works?"
    │
    ▼
  Implementation + Automated Tests

Best Practices

• Write the PRD before the TRD — define what you're building before deciding how to build it.
• Use ADRs for every significant architecture decision — they're short, structured, and invaluable for future developers.
• Make specifications executable where possible — Gherkin and Gauge connect written specs directly to automated tests.
• Keep documents close to the code in the same repository so they evolve together.
• Use lightweight templates rather than heavyweight processes — a short, focused ADR beats a 50-page design doc nobody reads.
• Review specs before implementation, not after — specifications are cheapest to change when they're still text.