Say it like this
- Let's add this to the decision log
- Check the decision log before you propose that
- This decision belongs in the decision log
Use it at work
Recording
- I've added this to the decision log with the reasons.
- Let's keep a decision log for the project.
Looking back
- Check the decision log. We chose REST because of the mobile team.
- Why did we drop this feature? It's not in the decision log.
Onboarding
- New joiners should read the decision log first.
- The decision log saves us from repeating old debates.
Don't say this
Decision log is not typically used as a verb; you add items to a decision log.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| decision log | List of decisions and reasons | Project leads | Through a project |
| ADR | Record of one architecture decision | Engineers | After a technical decision |
| meeting notes | Summary of a meeting | Note-taker | After each meeting |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your team chose to migrate to a new framework. What do you say?
2. Before implementing caching, let us check the _______ to see if we discussed this before.
3. Which sentence uses 'decision log' incorrectly?
4. Rewrite this using 'decision log': 'We chose to use Docker, and we should write down why we made this choice so people later can understand it.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"Let's add this to the decision log"
We don't save your recording. The word check uses your browser's speech recognition.
More about decision log
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"We decided to use PostgreSQL instead of MongoDB. I will add this to the decision log with the reasoning."
- in an architecture review
"Before we move forward, please document this choice in the decision log so future developers understand why we picked this approach."
- in a retrospective
"Looking back at the decision log, I can see why we chose microservices over monolith, even though it created complexity."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Often confused with a simple list of decisions; it actually requires documentation of reasoning, tradeoffs, and who made the decision.
- ✕The decision log shows what we decided.✓The decision log shows what we decided, why we decided it, and what we considered instead.
A decision log must include reasoning and alternatives, not just the final choice.
- ✕I will decision log this later.✓I will add this to the decision log later.
Use the full phrase 'add to the decision log' rather than using decision log as a verb.
Other forms(2)
- decision log noun
"The decision log is stored in our shared wiki."
- decision log entry noun phrase
"Each decision log entry should include the date and owner."
Often used with(5)
- add to the decision log · Most common way to say you are recording a decision.
- check the decision log · Review what decisions have been made previously.
- decision log entry · A single recorded decision within the log.
- maintain the decision log · Keep the decision log up-to-date and organized.
- decision log template · A standardized format for recording decisions.
Similar words(3)
- decision register · Similar term, slightly more formal, less common in tech.
- architectural decision record (ADR) · More specific term used for architecture decisions, includes more detail.
- decision record · Shorter alternative, but less descriptive.
Questions(5)
- What does decision log mean in software engineering?
- A decision log is a documented record of important decisions made during a project. It captures what was decided, why it was decided, who decided it, when it was decided, and what alternatives were considered. This helps teams maintain transparency and provides context for future team members.
- How do you use decision log in a sentence at work?
- You typically use it as a noun. Examples: 'We added the technology choice to the decision log.' or 'Check the decision log before proposing a similar solution.' You do not usually use 'decision log' as a verb, even though you might hear people say 'decision log it' informally.
- Is decision log formal or informal?
- Decision log is neutral in formality. It is used in both casual team discussions and formal architectural reviews. It appears in documentation, meeting notes, and everyday conversation among tech professionals.
- What should a decision log entry include?
- A good decision log entry typically includes: the decision date, what was decided, the reason or context, who made the decision, what alternatives were considered, and the status (approved, pending, deprecated). Some teams use templates to standardize this format.
- Why is a decision log important?
- A decision log prevents teams from repeatedly discussing the same choices, onboards new members faster by explaining past reasoning, creates accountability, and provides a searchable history of technical decisions for auditing or learning.
