Software architecture

Software architecture is a coherent set of abstract patterns guiding the design of each aspect of a larger software system.

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Software architecture underlies the practice of building computer software. In the same way as a building architect sets the principles and goals of a building project as the basis for the draftsman's plans, so too, a software architect or systems architect sets out the software architecture as a basis for actual system design specifications, as per the requirements of the client.

Related Topics:
Computer software - Software architect

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Software architecture is like an architecture of a building in that it has to do with the purpose, themes, materials, and concept of a structure. A software architect employs extensive knowledge of software theory and appropriate experience to conduct and manage the high-level design of a software product. The software architect develops concepts and plans for software modularity, module interaction methods, user interface dialog style, interface methods with external systems, innovative design features, and high-level business object operations, logic, and flow.

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A software architect consults with clients on conceptual issues, managers on broad design issues, software engineers on innovative structural features, and computer programmers on implementation techniques, appearance, and style.

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Software architecture is a sketchy map of the system. Software architecture describes the coarse grain components (usually describes the computation) of the system. The connectors between these components describe the communication, which are explicit and pictured in a relatively detailed way.

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In the implementation phase, the coarse components are refined into "actual components", e.g, classes and objects. In the object-oriented field, the connectors are usually implemented as interfaces.

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