📚 Learn DDSE

Master the principles and practices of Decision-Driven Software Engineering for effective human-AI collaboration in software development.

Table of contents

  1. Overview
  2. Learning Path
    1. 1. Foundation: Understanding DDSE
    2. 2. Technical Framework: DDSE Specification
    3. 3. Contract-Driven Development: SDLC Integration
    4. 4. Historical Context: Decision Memory
  3. Key Concepts
    1. Human-AI Collaboration
    2. Technical Decision Records (TDRs)
    3. Decision Hierarchy
  4. Learning Outcomes
  5. Next Steps

Overview

Decision-Driven Software Engineering (DDSE) is a methodological framework that integrates systematic decision documentation with AI-assisted development processes. This section provides comprehensive learning resources to understand and apply DDSE principles in your development practice.

Learning Path

1. Foundation: Understanding DDSE

Manifesto
Explore the philosophical foundation and core principles that drive the DDSE methodology

2. Technical Framework: DDSE Specification

Specification
Complete technical specification for implementing Decision-Driven Software Engineering

3. Contract-Driven Development: SDLC Integration

Contracts in SDLC
How Contract Decision Records transform greenfield development through systematic API design

4. Historical Context: Decision Memory

Decision Memory
Understanding the evolution of decision documentation approaches in software engineering

Key Concepts

Human-AI Collaboration

DDSE ensures that human intelligence defines the WHAT and WHY of software decisions, while artificial intelligence accelerates the HOW of implementation.

Technical Decision Records (TDRs)

Structured documents that capture technical decisions with specific sections for AI guidance, creating a bridge between human decision-making and AI implementation.

Decision Hierarchy

A systematic approach to organizing decisions from strategic (MDD) through architectural (ADR) to implementation-specific (IDR) levels.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this learning path, you will:

  • ✅ Understand the theoretical foundation of Decision-Driven Software Engineering
  • ✅ Know how to create and structure Technical Decision Records (TDRs)
  • ✅ Be able to establish effective human-AI collaboration workflows
  • ✅ Understand how to integrate DDSE with existing development practices
  • ✅ Apply decision documentation to improve code consistency and quality

Next Steps

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, proceed to:

Ready to transform your development workflow with human-AI collaboration? Start with the Manifesto to understand the core philosophy.

Table of contents