ArchDeck

ArchDeck is Archflow's library of architecture pattern cards --- a curated collection of software architecture concepts that can be browsed for learning and linked directly to your architecture elements.

Accessing ArchDeck

Navigate to ArchDeck from the top navigation bar to browse the full card library. You can also access cards linked to specific elements from their detail pages.

Card Series

ArchDeck is organized into series --- themed collections of cards covering related architecture topics. Each series focuses on a specific area of software architecture.

Examples of series topics include:

• Design patterns and architectural styles
• Integration patterns
• Cloud architecture patterns
• Domain-Driven Design concepts
• C4 model fundamentals

Individual Cards

Each card in a series covers a single architecture concept with:

• Title --- The pattern or concept name
• Description --- A concise explanation of the concept
• Visual representation --- Diagrams or illustrations where applicable
• Key takeaways --- What to remember about this pattern
• Related concepts --- Links to related cards in the library

Architecture Integration

ArchDeck cards can be assigned to your architecture elements, connecting abstract patterns to concrete systems in your project.

Linking Cards to Elements

Cards can be linked to:

• Systems --- Tag a system with the patterns it implements (e.g., "Event Sourcing" on your event store)
• Projects --- Assign cards at the project level for cross-cutting patterns
• Workflows --- Link business process patterns to workflow definitions

Managing Card Assignments

From any system, project, or workflow detail page:

1. Open the Cards tab
2. Browse or search available cards
3. Assign relevant cards to the element
4. View assigned cards as a compact card strip on the element's page

The card strip shows assigned cards inline, giving you a quick visual overview of which patterns apply to each element.

AI-Powered Recommendations

Archie can automatically recommend cards for your architecture elements:

• Based on system properties, technology, and relationships, Archie suggests relevant patterns
• Recommendations appear with an approve/reject workflow --- you decide which cards to assign
• This helps ensure your architecture documentation stays connected to established patterns

Using ArchDeck

Learning

Browse ArchDeck to build your architecture knowledge. Cards are designed to be digestible --- each one covers a single concept clearly and concisely.

Architecture Documentation

Link cards to your systems and workflows to document which patterns you're using. This creates a living record of architectural decisions tied to specific elements.

Reference

Use ArchDeck as a quick reference when making architecture decisions. Look up patterns to refresh your understanding of their trade-offs and applicability.

Team Education

Share ArchDeck cards with your team during architecture reviews or onboarding sessions. The card format makes complex concepts accessible.

Next Steps