RFC: Defining an RFC template which includes a Decision section

Development RFCs
1

Problem Statement

The result of an RFC is often a decision. One that results in an implementation, or a decision not to implement for some reason. Some times we mark the RFC as solved, and some times that includes some description or link to the solution. This is not always the case and there many instances where a review of an RFC does not indicate the end result.

Proposal

I am proposing we introduce a template for RFCs that include a decision section. This would bridge the gap between RFCs and the Architecture Decision Record ideas. This would give some structure for writing RFCs to help in writing them, and indicate a clear place to denote the outcome.

Template Proposal:

## Context and Problem Statement

 * What is the problem being solved?
 * How does this affect the user or developer?
 * Background information that helps understand the current state.
 * Include any technical objectives
 * Include any non-goals

## Proposal

 * Include all relevant details of the solution
 * Include any alternative solutions, and why they are not preferred
 * Include any technical and project level impacts

## Decision Outcome

What was the decision that was ultimately made and relevant outcomes with links.

## Impacts

Record impacts that the decision has such as limitations, changes to the architecture, affects to workflows, processes or user facing consequences.
1 Like
2

+1 for the template

I would be even more descriptive and put more examples for each section, which might be in the form of questions or checklists that each section should answer.

What’s the difference between RFC and Architecture Decision Record?

3

I think RFC tends to be un-structured and entirely flexible, and can have a provision for decisions if the community defines it. The Architecture Decision Record tries to be prescriptive of having a structure for the document, getting comments, approval and then storing the record of the decision made.

I made updates to the template. Let me know what else you’d like to see.