Software architecture

Abstract

In this chapter, we have defined an overview of software architecture design. We have focused on three basic topics including software architecture modeling, software architecture design methods, and software architecture evaluation. Software architecture modeling has evolved from informal box and line drawings to extensive architecture frameworks that include various viewpoints for modeling the architecture based on the concerns of stakeholders. Different architecture frameworks have been introduced in the literature, each with its own set of viewpoints. Earlier frameworks assumed a fixed set of viewpoints from which the architect can select the required ones to model the architecture. Recent approaches such as the V&B approach adopt an open ended approach in which new viewpoints can be designed if deemed necessary. The process of software architecture design usually starts in the early phases of the software development life cycle. Various architecture design methods have been introduced. We have identified five key activities that can be observed in most architecture design methods. The activities include Analyzing Concerns, Analyze Domain, Architecture Design, Evaluate Architecture and Architecture Realization. Once the architecture is designed, it can be evaluated based on quality criteria. The evaluation results in impact analysis report that might require refactoring the architecture to align it with the defined quality criteria.