> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.screenpipe.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Build an engineering decision log from recorded work

> A useful engineering memory explains why a decision was made, the evidence behind it, and whether it still applies.

A useful engineering memory explains why a decision was made, the evidence behind it, and whether it still applies. Recorded discussions can recover rationale; the current repository and issue tracker establish what actually shipped.

## Start here

Choose one feature or technical decision and a bounded period. Give the agent access to the relevant history plus the current issue or repository state. Identify a Markdown file where the reviewed log belongs.

## Copy this prompt

Use this in Screenpipe chat or an assistant with the required connections. Replace the brackets with your details. If the assistant lacks access, provide a reviewed excerpt; a prompt alone does not connect it to your history.

```text theme={null}
Create a draft decision record for [feature] during [dates, timezone].
Find the problem, options considered, chosen option, rationale, tradeoffs,
owner, and unresolved questions. Cite recorded source moments.
Check the current issue and code before saying a change shipped.
Mark proposals, accepted decisions, and superseded decisions separately.
Do not edit code or overwrite an existing decision without comparing it.
```

## Check the result

Have the owner check the rationale, then open the linked implementation. If the recording and current code disagree, retain both with their dates rather than silently rewriting history.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="See a worked example" id="worked-example">
    ```text theme={null}
    Decision: Use a queued export for large reports.
    Status: Proposed, pending owner review.
    Reason: Interactive export interrupted a demonstration.
    Alternatives: Smaller batches; background job.
    Evidence: [reviewed discussion reference]
    Current implementation: [verified issue or code reference]
    Revisit when: Report size or latency requirements change.
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Go deeper: setup choices and edge cases" id="details">
    Keep the durable file concise: one decision, stable identifier, status, and source links. Put long transcripts in an evidence appendix. When a later decision replaces it, add a superseded-by reference so an agent does not revive an abandoned plan.

    A coding assistant can read the reviewed log at the start of future work. It still needs current repository instructions and live code. Historical intent is context, not authority to ignore a newer requirement.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Continue

[Agent memory workflow](/agent-memory-workflow) · [for developers](/for-developers) · [meeting to engineering tickets](/meeting-to-engineering-tickets)