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Explain enterprise architecture concepts in practical terms. Use when learning about TOGAF, Zachman, ADRs, or any EA terminology.

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SKILL.md

name ea-learning
description Explain enterprise architecture concepts in practical terms. Use when learning about TOGAF, Zachman, ADRs, or any EA terminology.
allowed-tools Read, Glob, Grep

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:

  1. Start with the "why" - Why does this concept exist?
  2. Use concrete examples - Real-world applications
  3. Link to code - How does this apply to your codebase?
  4. 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:

  1. Context - System and its environment
  2. Container - High-level technology choices
  3. Component - Major structural elements
  4. 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

  1. ADRs - Start documenting decisions immediately
  2. C4 Context Diagram - Visualize your system's boundaries
  3. Architecture Principles - Define 3-5 guiding principles

Intermediate: Add Structure

  1. TOGAF Phases - Understand the A-H cycle
  2. Zachman Columns - Use What/How/Where/Who/When/Why as a checklist
  3. Gap Analysis - Document current vs target state

Advanced: Enterprise Scale

  1. Full Zachman Matrix - Multiple stakeholder perspectives
  2. TOGAF Governance - Architecture board, compliance
  3. Cloud Frameworks - CAF, Well-Architected alignment

Connecting to Your Codebase

When explaining concepts, this skill will:

  1. Search for existing architecture documentation
  2. Identify relevant code patterns
  3. Suggest where concepts might apply
  4. 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 phases
  • references/zachman-overview.md - Zachman 3.0 matrix
  • references/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