Architectural Design

1. Introduction to Software Architecture

• Definition: Software architecture is the structure or structures of a program or system, encompassing:
  • Software Components: Such as program modules, object-oriented classes, and databases.
  • Externally Visible Properties: Attributes observable by other components or stakeholders.
  • Relationships Among Components: Describes how the components interact or depend on one another.
• Purpose:
  1. Evaluate Design Effectiveness: Ensures the architecture meets requirements.
  2. Explore Alternatives: Allows consideration of design changes early in the process.
  3. Risk Reduction: Mitigates risks related to software construction.

2. Importance of Software Architecture

• Communication Enablement: Acts as a shared representation for all stakeholders.
• Foundation for Design Decisions: Highlights critical decisions impacting subsequent development phases.
• Simplified System Representation: Offers a manageable model to understand system structure and intercomponent functionality.

3. Key Concepts in Software Architecture

1. Components:
   • Databases, computational modules, object-oriented classes.
2. Connectors:
   • Facilitate communication and coordination between components.
3. Conditions:
   • Define how components can integrate to form a cohesive system.
4. Semantic Models:
   • Aid in understanding the overall behavior of the system.

Coupling n Cohesion

Modularization is the process of dividing a software system into multiple independent modules where each module works independently.

Coupling refers to the degree of interdependence between software modules.