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🎓 Tutorial 3: Advanced Analysis Techniques

Learning Goal: Master advanced architectural analysis including security scanning, performance optimization, deployment validation, and team collaboration workflows.

Prerequisites:

Time Required: 60 minutes


📚 What You'll Learn

  1. Security Analysis - Comprehensive security scanning and credential detection
  2. Performance Architecture - Analyzing and documenting performance-related decisions
  3. Deployment Validation - Zero-tolerance deployment readiness checking
  4. Team Collaboration - Multi-developer workflows and knowledge sharing
  5. Advanced AI Techniques - Using APE, Reflexion, and Knowledge Generation frameworks
  6. Troubleshooting - Systematic problem diagnosis and resolution

🛡️ Step 1: Comprehensive Security Analysis

Understanding Security in Architecture

Security isn't just about code - it's about architectural decisions that affect your entire system:

  • Data flow and storage decisions
  • Authentication and authorization architecture
  • Network security and API design
  • Deployment and infrastructure security

Deep Security Scanning

Start with a comprehensive security analysis of your project:

json
{
  "tool": "analyze_content_security",
  "parameters": {
    "content": "Scan entire project for security vulnerabilities and sensitive information",
    "contentType": "code",
    "userDefinedPatterns": [
      "api[_-]?key.*=.*[\"'][^\"']+[\"']",
      "secret[_-]?token.*=.*[\"'][^\"']+[\"']",
      "password.*=.*[\"'][^\"']+[\"']",
      "private[_-]?key.*=.*[\"'][^\"']+[\"']"
    ]
  }
}

Common Security Issues Detected:

  • Hardcoded API keys in configuration files
  • Database passwords in environment files
  • Private keys committed to repository
  • Session secrets in code
  • Third-party tokens in configuration

Configure Project-Specific Security Patterns

Every project has unique security considerations:

json
{
  "tool": "configure_custom_patterns",
  "parameters": {
    "projectPath": ".",
    "existingPatterns": [
      "internal[_-]?api[_-]?url",
      "admin[_-]?secret",
      "encryption[_-]?key",
      "jwt[_-]?secret"
    ]
  }
}

Generate Security Masking Strategy

json
{
  "tool": "generate_content_masking",
  "parameters": {
    "content": "Configuration file with sensitive information",
    "detectedItems": [
      {
        "type": "api_key",
        "content": "sk-1234567890abcdef",
        "startPosition": 45,
        "endPosition": 65,
        "severity": "high"
      }
    ],
    "maskingStrategy": "environment"
  }
}

Exercise: Security ADR Creation

Create a comprehensive security ADR:

  1. Document your authentication architecture
  2. Identify data protection mechanisms
  3. Document network security decisions
  4. Create incident response procedures
json
{
  "tool": "generate_adr_from_decision",
  "parameters": {
    "decisionData": {
      "title": "Security Architecture - Defense in Depth Strategy",
      "context": "Application handles sensitive user data and requires comprehensive security across all layers.",
      "decision": "Multi-layered security architecture with authentication, authorization, encryption, and monitoring",
      "rationale": "Defense in depth provides multiple security barriers, reducing risk if any single layer is compromised. Industry best practice for applications handling sensitive data.",
      "consequences": [
        "Comprehensive protection against multiple attack vectors",
        "Improved compliance with security standards",
        "Higher complexity in implementation and maintenance",
        "Need for security expertise across development team",
        "Performance overhead from multiple security checks"
      ]
    },
    "adrDirectory": "docs/adrs"
  }
}

🚀 Step 2: Performance Architecture Analysis

Performance isn't just about optimization - it's about architectural decisions that affect scalability:

  • Database design and query patterns
  • Caching strategies and data flow
  • API design and communication patterns
  • Frontend architecture and asset delivery

Analyze Performance Architecture

json
{
  "tool": "analyze_project_ecosystem",
  "parameters": {
    "projectPath": ".",
    "enhancedMode": true,
    "recursiveDepth": "comprehensive",
    "conversationContext": {
      "focusAreas": ["performance", "scalability"],
      "constraints": ["high-traffic", "low-latency"]
    }
  }
}

Generate Performance-Focused ADRs

Based on your analysis, document key performance decisions:

json
{
  "tool": "suggest_adrs",
  "parameters": {
    "projectPath": ".",
    "analysisScope": "architecture",
    "maxSuggestions": 5,
    "conversationContext": {
      "userRequest": "Focus on performance and scalability architectural decisions"
    }
  }
}

Example: Caching Strategy ADR

json
{
  "tool": "generate_adr_from_decision",
  "parameters": {
    "decisionData": {
      "title": "Caching Architecture - Multi-Layer Strategy",
      "context": "Application serves high-traffic loads with frequently accessed data that changes infrequently.",
      "decision": "Multi-layer caching with Redis for application cache, CDN for static assets, and database query caching",
      "rationale": "Reduces database load by 80%, improves response times to <100ms for cached content, and provides horizontal scaling capability. Proven pattern for high-traffic applications.",
      "consequences": [
        "Significantly improved response times and user experience",
        "Reduced database load and improved overall system capacity",
        "Cache invalidation complexity requires careful coordination",
        "Additional infrastructure components to monitor and maintain",
        "Potential for cache consistency issues during updates"
      ]
    },
    "adrDirectory": "docs/adrs"
  }
}

Exercise: Performance Audit

Conduct a performance architecture review:

  1. Identify bottlenecks in your current architecture
  2. Document caching decisions (or lack thereof)
  3. Analyze database query patterns and indexing strategies
  4. Review API design for efficiency
  5. Create performance-focused ADRs for major decisions

🔥 Step 3: Zero-Tolerance Deployment Validation

Understanding Deployment Readiness

Modern deployment requires comprehensive validation to prevent production issues:

  • All tests passing with adequate coverage
  • Security vulnerabilities addressed
  • Performance benchmarks met
  • Configuration properly managed
  • Monitoring and alerting configured

Comprehensive Deployment Analysis

json
{
  "tool": "deployment_readiness",
  "parameters": {
    "operation": "check_readiness",
    "targetEnvironment": "production",
    "strictMode": true,
    "integrateTodoTasks": true,
    "updateHealthScoring": true
  }
}

This validates:

  • Test Coverage - Minimum thresholds met
  • Security Scanning - No high-severity vulnerabilities
  • Dependency Audit - No known security issues
  • Configuration - Environment-specific settings ready
  • Documentation - Deployment procedures documented

Advanced Deployment Progress Tracking

json
{
  "tool": "analyze_deployment_progress",
  "parameters": {
    "analysisType": "pre_deployment",
    "targetEnvironment": "production",
    "projectPath": "."
  }
}

Generate Deployment Guidance

json
{
  "tool": "generate_deployment_guidance",
  "parameters": {
    "adrDirectory": "docs/adrs",
    "targetEnvironment": "production",
    "deploymentType": "kubernetes",
    "includeSecurityChecks": true
  }
}

Smart Git Push with Security Validation

json
{
  "tool": "smart_git_push",
  "parameters": {
    "operation": "pre_push_validation",
    "forceSecurityCheck": true,
    "projectPath": "."
  }
}

Exercise: Deployment Readiness Checklist

Create a comprehensive pre-deployment validation:

  1. Run deployment readiness check
  2. Address any blocking issues
  3. Document deployment procedures
  4. Create rollback plans
  5. Validate monitoring and alerting

👥 Step 4: Team Collaboration Workflows

Multi-Developer ADR Processes

Large teams need structured processes for architectural decision-making:

  • Decision proposal and review workflows
  • Collaborative ADR creation and editing
  • Knowledge sharing and onboarding
  • Architectural change management

Get Intelligent Workflow Guidance

json
{
  "tool": "get_workflow_guidance",
  "parameters": {
    "goal": "Establish team architectural decision workflow for 10+ developers",
    "currentPhase": "planning",
    "constraints": ["distributed team", "multiple time zones", "varying experience levels"],
    "availableTime": "2 weeks for implementation"
  }
}

Development Guidance for Teams

json
{
  "tool": "get_development_guidance",
  "parameters": {
    "developmentPhase": "implementation",
    "adrDirectory": "docs/adrs",
    "technologyStack": ["typescript", "react", "node.js", "postgresql"],
    "constraints": ["microservices architecture", "cloud-native deployment"]
  }
}

Create Research Templates

For complex decisions requiring research:

json
{
  "tool": "create_research_template",
  "parameters": {
    "title": "Database Scaling Strategy Research",
    "researchType": "technology",
    "includeMetadata": true
  }
}

Generate Research Questions

json
{
  "tool": "generate_research_questions",
  "parameters": {
    "analysisType": "architecture",
    "context": "Evaluating microservices communication patterns for high-throughput system",
    "researchScope": "broad",
    "maxQuestions": 8
  }
}

Exercise: Team Decision Workflow

Design and implement a team decision process:

  1. Define decision authorities - Who makes what types of decisions?
  2. Create proposal templates - Standardize decision documentation
  3. Establish review processes - How are decisions reviewed and approved?
  4. Set up knowledge sharing - How do team members stay informed?
  5. Plan onboarding - How do new team members learn the architecture?

🧠 Step 5: Advanced AI Techniques

Automatic Prompt Engineering (APE)

The APE framework optimizes prompts for better analysis results:

json
{
  "tool": "analyze_project_ecosystem",
  "parameters": {
    "projectPath": ".",
    "enhancedMode": true,
    "conversationContext": {
      "useAPE": true,
      "optimizeFor": "architectural_insights"
    }
  }
}

APE Benefits:

  • Better accuracy in architectural pattern detection
  • More relevant suggestions based on project context
  • Improved consistency across analysis runs
  • Adaptive prompting based on project characteristics

Knowledge Generation Framework

Build comprehensive understanding through iterative analysis:

json
{
  "tool": "suggest_adrs",
  "parameters": {
    "projectPath": ".",
    "conversationContext": {
      "useKnowledgeGeneration": true,
      "buildComprehensiveUnderstanding": true
    }
  }
}

Reflexion Framework

Self-correcting analysis through iterative refinement:

json
{
  "tool": "compare_adr_progress",
  "parameters": {
    "adrDirectory": "docs/adrs",
    "conversationContext": {
      "useReflexion": true,
      "validateFindings": true,
      "iterativeRefinement": true
    }
  }
}

Exercise: AI-Enhanced Analysis

Run an AI-enhanced architectural analysis:

  1. Enable all AI frameworks in your analysis calls
  2. Compare results with standard analysis
  3. Document quality improvements you observe
  4. Create ADRs for AI framework usage decisions

🔧 Step 6: Advanced Troubleshooting

Systematic Problem Diagnosis

When things go wrong, systematic troubleshooting saves time:

json
{
  "tool": "troubleshoot_guided_workflow",
  "parameters": {
    "operation": "analyze_failure",
    "failureInfo": {
      "failureType": "deployment_failure",
      "failureDetails": "Container startup fails with dependency connection timeout",
      "context": {
        "reproducible": true,
        "frequency": "always",
        "impact": "critical"
      }
    }
  }
}

Generate Test Plans

json
{
  "tool": "troubleshoot_guided_workflow",
  "parameters": {
    "operation": "generate_test_plan",
    "failureInfo": {
      "failureType": "performance_degradation",
      "failureDetails": "API response times increased from 100ms to 2000ms after deployment"
    }
  }
}

Diagnostic Workflows

json
{
  "tool": "troubleshoot_guided_workflow",
  "parameters": {
    "operation": "run_diagnostics",
    "projectPath": "."
  }
}

Exercise: Create Troubleshooting Playbooks

Document systematic troubleshooting approaches:

  1. Identify common failure scenarios in your project
  2. Create diagnostic workflows for each scenario
  3. Generate test plans for validation
  4. Document resolution procedures
  5. Create ADRs for troubleshooting and monitoring decisions

📊 Step 7: Advanced Health Scoring and Analytics

Comprehensive Health Assessment

json
{
  "tool": "smart_score",
  "parameters": {
    "operation": "recalculate_scores",
    "components": ["all"],
    "projectPath": ".",
    "forceUpdate": true,
    "updateSources": true
  }
}

Score Optimization

json
{
  "tool": "smart_score",
  "parameters": {
    "operation": "optimize_weights",
    "projectPath": ".",
    "rebalanceWeights": true
  }
}

Trend Analysis

json
{
  "tool": "smart_score",
  "parameters": {
    "operation": "get_score_trends",
    "includeHistory": true,
    "projectPath": "."
  }
}

Exercise: Health Monitoring Dashboard

Create a project health monitoring system:

  1. Establish baseline scores for all components
  2. Set up regular monitoring (weekly or monthly)
  3. Define improvement targets for each component
  4. Create action plans for score improvements
  5. Document the monitoring process in an ADR

🎯 Step 8: Advanced Rule Generation and Validation

Generate Comprehensive Architectural Rules

json
{
  "tool": "generate_rules",
  "parameters": {
    "source": "both",
    "adrDirectory": "docs/adrs",
    "projectPath": ".",
    "ruleTypes": ["all"],
    "outputFormat": "json"
  }
}

Validate Code Compliance

json
{
  "tool": "validate_rules",
  "parameters": {
    "projectPath": ".",
    "ruleTypes": ["security", "patterns", "dependencies"],
    "outputFormat": "detailed"
  }
}

Create Machine-Readable Rule Sets

json
{
  "tool": "create_rule_set",
  "parameters": {
    "name": "Project Architectural Standards",
    "description": "Comprehensive architectural rules for development team",
    "rules": [
      {
        "category": "security",
        "rule": "No hardcoded credentials in source code",
        "severity": "error"
      },
      {
        "category": "performance",
        "rule": "Database queries must use prepared statements",
        "severity": "warning"
      }
    ],
    "format": "json"
  }
}

Exercise: Automated Compliance Checking

Set up automated architectural compliance:

  1. Generate rules from your ADRs and code patterns
  2. Create validation scripts for CI/CD integration
  3. Set up automated checking in your development workflow
  4. Document the compliance process
  5. Train your team on the rules and validation process

🌐 Step 9: Environment Analysis and Optimization

Comprehensive Environment Assessment

json
{
  "tool": "analyze_environment",
  "parameters": {
    "projectPath": ".",
    "environmentType": "production",
    "includeOptimizations": true
  }
}

This analyzes:

  • Infrastructure configuration and optimization opportunities
  • Resource utilization and scaling recommendations
  • Security configuration and hardening suggestions
  • Monitoring and observability setup
  • Cost optimization opportunities

Exercise: Environment Architecture Documentation

Document your environment architecture:

  1. Analyze all environments (dev, staging, production)
  2. Document infrastructure decisions in ADRs
  3. Create environment-specific configurations
  4. Establish monitoring and alerting
  5. Plan disaster recovery procedures

🏆 Step 10: Mastery Integration

Complete Project Health Assessment

Run a comprehensive analysis using all advanced techniques:

json
{
  "tool": "analyze_project_ecosystem",
  "parameters": {
    "projectPath": ".",
    "enhancedMode": true,
    "knowledgeEnhancement": true,
    "learningEnabled": true,
    "includeEnvironment": true,
    "recursiveDepth": "comprehensive",
    "conversationContext": {
      "useAPE": true,
      "useKnowledgeGeneration": true,
      "useReflexion": true,
      "comprehensiveAnalysis": true
    }
  }
}

Final Validation and Scoring

json
{
  "tool": "deployment_readiness",
  "parameters": {
    "operation": "all",
    "targetEnvironment": "production",
    "strictMode": true
  }
}

Exercise: Architectural Excellence Portfolio

Create a comprehensive architectural documentation portfolio:

  1. Complete security analysis with masking strategies
  2. Performance architecture documentation
  3. Deployment validation with zero-tolerance standards
  4. Team collaboration workflows
  5. Advanced AI-enhanced analysis results
  6. Troubleshooting playbooks and procedures
  7. Health monitoring dashboard
  8. Compliance checking automation
  9. Environment optimization recommendations

🎯 Mastery Success Criteria

By completing this advanced tutorial, you should have:

Security Expertise - Comprehensive security analysis and protection strategies
Performance Architecture - Documented performance-related architectural decisions
Deployment Mastery - Zero-tolerance deployment validation processes
Team Leadership - Collaborative architectural decision-making workflows
AI Proficiency - Advanced AI techniques for enhanced analysis
Troubleshooting Skills - Systematic problem diagnosis and resolution
Quality Assurance - Health monitoring and compliance checking
Operational Excellence - Environment optimization and monitoring


🚀 Beyond Mastery: Becoming an Architecture Leader

Immediate Next Steps

  1. Implement advanced techniques in your current project
  2. Train your team on advanced workflows
  3. Establish center of excellence for architectural decisions

Career Development

  • Become the architecture SME for your organization
  • Mentor other developers in architectural decision-making
  • Contribute to open source architectural tools and frameworks
  • Speak at conferences about AI-assisted architecture

Continuous Learning

  • Stay current with architectural patterns and technologies
  • Experiment with new AI techniques and frameworks
  • Build your own architectural analysis tools
  • Share knowledge through blog posts and presentations

🎪 Advanced Techniques Showcase

What Makes You Advanced Now

  1. Systematic Approach - You use comprehensive, methodical analysis
  2. Security First - You integrate security considerations throughout
  3. Performance Aware - You understand performance implications of architectural decisions
  4. Team Oriented - You facilitate collaborative architectural decision-making
  5. AI Enhanced - You leverage advanced AI techniques for better analysis
  6. Quality Focused - You implement automated compliance and health monitoring
  7. Operationally Minded - You consider deployment and operational concerns

Your Advanced Toolkit

You now have mastery of all 37 MCP tools and can:

  • Conduct comprehensive security analysis with custom patterns
  • Implement zero-tolerance deployment validation
  • Facilitate team architectural decision processes
  • Use advanced AI frameworks for enhanced analysis
  • Create systematic troubleshooting procedures
  • Implement automated compliance checking
  • Optimize environments for performance and cost

🏆 Congratulations - You're Now an Advanced Practitioner!

You've mastered advanced architectural analysis techniques and are ready to lead architectural decision-making in any organization. Your skills in AI-assisted architecture, security analysis, and team collaboration make you a valuable contributor to any development team.

Keep Growing:

  • Experiment with new techniques and approaches
  • Share your knowledge with the community
  • Push the boundaries of what's possible with AI-assisted architecture
  • Build amazing things with your newfound expertise

Want to contribute back? Consider:

  • Contributing to the project
  • Sharing your experience through blog posts or presentations
  • Mentoring others in architectural decision-making
  • Building extensions to the MCP ADR Analysis Server

This completes the MCP ADR Analysis Server tutorial series. You've progressed from beginner to advanced practitioner with comprehensive skills in AI-assisted architectural analysis. Use these skills to build better software and help your teams make excellent architectural decisions.

Released under the MIT License.