Explain enterprise architecture concepts in practical terms. Use when learning about TOGAF, Zachman, ADRs, or any EA terminology.
Limited to specific tools
Additional assets for this skill
This skill is limited to using the following tools:
Use this skill when you need to:
Keywords: explain, what is, why, learn, togaf, zachman, enterprise architecture, adm, viewpoint, stakeholder, architecture principle
This skill provides practical, developer-focused explanations that:
Not sure where to start? Use these practical entry points:
| If you want to... | Start with... |
|---|---|
| Document a decision | ADR (Architecture Decision Record) |
| Understand system structure | C4 Model diagrams |
| Plan a migration | Gap Analysis |
| Communicate to executives | Stakeholder Viewpoints |
| Ensure design consistency | Architecture Principles |
What: A document capturing a significant design decision and its context.
Why: Decisions get forgotten. New team members don't know why things were built a certain way. ADRs preserve institutional knowledge.
When to use: Any decision that affects multiple components, is hard to reverse, or involves trade-offs.
What: A comprehensive methodology for developing enterprise architecture.
Why: Provides structured approach to large-scale architecture work with governance and stakeholder management.
Key concept: The ADM (Architecture Development Method) - a cycle of phases from vision through implementation.
What: A 6x6 classification matrix for organizing architecture artifacts.
Why: Ensures complete coverage - every perspective (who, what, how, when, where, why) is documented for every stakeholder level.
Key insight: It's a taxonomy (how to organize), not a methodology (how to create).
What: A hierarchical approach to software architecture diagrams.
Why: Provides consistent abstraction levels (Context, Container, Component, Code) that communicate clearly to different audiences.
Levels:
What: Foundational rules that guide design decisions.
Why: Ensure consistency across teams and decisions. Provide guardrails without micromanagement.
Format: Statement + Rationale + Implications
When explaining concepts, this skill will:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need TOGAF certification to use EA concepts? | No. The concepts are valuable regardless of certification. Start with ADRs and principles. |
| Is Zachman too heavyweight for my project? | Use it as a checklist, not a requirement. Even checking 2-3 cells improves coverage. |
| How do EA frameworks relate to agile? | EA provides "just enough" architecture upfront. Decisions evolve through ADRs. |
| What's the minimum viable EA? | ADRs + Architecture Principles + C4 Context Diagram. You can build from there. |
For detailed framework information, see:
memory/togaf-overview.md - TOGAF 10 ADM phasesmemory/zachman-overview.md - Zachman 3.0 matrixmemory/architecture-principles.md - Principles templateDate: 2025-12-05 Model: claude-opus-4-5-20251101