Enterprise Architecture Learning
When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when you need to:
- Understand what an EA concept means
- Learn how to apply EA frameworks practically
- Get context-specific explanations linked to your codebase
- Answer "what would TOGAF/Zachman say about this?"
Keywords: explain, what is, why, learn, togaf, zachman, enterprise architecture, adm, viewpoint, stakeholder, architecture principle
Explanation Approach
This skill provides practical, developer-focused explanations that:
- Start with the "why" - Why does this concept exist?
- Use concrete examples - Real-world applications
- Link to code - How does this apply to your codebase?
- Avoid jargon - Plain language over consultant-speak
Framework-Agnostic Entry Points
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 |
Core Concepts Quick Reference
Architecture Decision Record (ADR)
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.
TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework)
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.
Zachman Framework
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).
C4 Model
What: A hierarchical approach to software architecture diagrams.
Why: Provides consistent abstraction levels (Context, Container, Component, Code) that communicate clearly to different audiences.
Levels:
- Context - System and its environment
- Container - High-level technology choices
- Component - Major structural elements
- Code - Class/module level (optional)
Architecture Principles
What: Foundational rules that guide design decisions.
Why: Ensure consistency across teams and decisions. Provide guardrails without micromanagement.
Format: Statement + Rationale + Implications
Progressive Learning Path
Beginner: Start Here
- ADRs - Start documenting decisions immediately
- C4 Context Diagram - Visualize your system's boundaries
- Architecture Principles - Define 3-5 guiding principles
Intermediate: Add Structure
- TOGAF Phases - Understand the A-H cycle
- Zachman Columns - Use What/How/Where/Who/When/Why as a checklist
- Gap Analysis - Document current vs target state
Advanced: Enterprise Scale
- Full Zachman Matrix - Multiple stakeholder perspectives
- TOGAF Governance - Architecture board, compliance
- Cloud Frameworks - CAF, Well-Architected alignment
Connecting to Your Codebase
When explaining concepts, this skill will:
- Search for existing architecture documentation
- Identify relevant code patterns
- Suggest where concepts might apply
- Provide examples specific to your project
Common Questions Answered
| 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. |
Memory References
For detailed framework information, see:
references/togaf-overview.md- TOGAF 10 ADM phasesreferences/zachman-overview.md- Zachman 3.0 matrixreferences/architecture-principles.md- Principles template
Version History
- v1.0.0 (2025-12-05): Initial release
- Practical explanations for EA concepts - Framework-agnostic entry points - Progressive learning path (beginner to advanced) - Core concepts quick reference (ADR, TOGAF, Zachman, C4)
Last Updated
Date: 2025-12-05 Model: claude-opus-4-5-20251101