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What are the most common methods for documenting software architecture?

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Software architecture is the high-level design of a software system that defines its components, interactions, and quality attributes. Documenting software architecture is essential for communicating the system's vision, rationale, and trade-offs to various stakeholders, such as developers, testers, customers, and managers. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to documenting software architecture, and different methods have different strengths and limitations. In this article, we will explore some of the most common methods for documenting software architecture and how to choose the best one for your project.

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Maurice Driessen

Chief Architect Digital Society

1 Views and viewpoints

One of the most widely used methods for documenting software architecture is based on the concept of views and viewpoints. A view is a representation of a set of system elements and their relationships from a specific perspective, such as logical, physical, or functional. A viewpoint is a template that defines the purpose, scope, notation, and analysis techniques for a view. For example, a module view shows the decomposition of the system into modules and their dependencies, while a module viewpoint provides the guidelines for creating and evaluating a module view. Views and viewpoints help to address the concerns of different stakeholders and to cover the various aspects of the system.

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Maurice Driessen

Chief Architect Digital Society
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The 4+1 and C4 view models for software architecture offer both standardized ways to document software architecture. The 4+1 view model provides 5 views for different stakeholders: Scenarios, Logical view, Process view, Development view, and the Physical view. C4 model uses a consistent terminology to describes a software architecture with diagrams at 4 levels of detail: Context diagram, Container diagram, Component diagrams and Code diagram. Both models promote clear communication and understanding of an architecture's design. They facilitate efficient communication, improve collaboration with stakeholders, enhance decision-making. When applied the resulting architecture documentation will reduce the maintenance cost of the software.

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2 Architecture description languages

Another common method for documenting software architecture is using architecture description languages (ADLs). ADLs are formal or semi-formal languages that allow the specification and analysis of software architectures. ADLs typically have a syntax and semantics that define the elements, connectors, configurations, and properties of a software architecture. Some examples of ADLs are Acme, Darwin, Wright, and xADL. ADLs enable the verification, validation, and simulation of software architectures, as well as the generation of code and documentation. However, ADLs may require specialized tools and skills, and may not be compatible with existing standards and practices.

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Maurice Driessen

Chief Architect Digital Society
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The ADLs Acme, Darwin, Wright, and xADL were all developed in the previous century. Today examples of contemporary ADLs are PlantUML and YML. They both provide a language which provides the means to express architecture views. Recently, these languages have become increasingly popular among software engineers as they enable the representation of architecture view through code. This functionality allows for the handling of view specifications throughout the software development life cycle using tools like Git or Github, treating them much like traditional source code. Winglang, a novel ADL, codes cloud-native architectures using abstract cloud services, enabling real-time visualization and deployment to cloud providers.

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3 Architecture frameworks

A third common method for documenting software architecture is using architecture frameworks. Architecture frameworks are predefined structures that organize the architecture documentation into a set of views or models, each with a specific purpose and scope. Architecture frameworks provide a common vocabulary, notation, and methodology for describing software architectures. Some examples of architecture frameworks are the 4+1 model, the Zachman framework, and the TOGAF framework. Architecture frameworks help to ensure the completeness, consistency, and comparability of software architectures, as well as to facilitate reuse and integration. However, architecture frameworks may be too rigid, complex, or generic for some projects.

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4 Architecture patterns

A fourth common method for documenting software architecture is using architecture patterns. Architecture patterns are reusable solutions to common problems in software architecture design. Architecture patterns describe the problem, the context, the solution, and the consequences of applying the pattern. Some examples of architecture patterns are the layered pattern, the pipe-and-filter pattern, the client-server pattern, and the microservices pattern. Architecture patterns help to simplify the design process, improve the quality attributes, and promote best practices. However, architecture patterns may not address all the requirements, constraints, and trade-offs of a specific project.

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5 Architecture decisions

A fifth common method for documenting software architecture is using architecture decisions. Architecture decisions are the outcomes of the evaluation and selection of alternatives for a software architecture design issue. Architecture decisions capture the rationale, assumptions, criteria, and implications of choosing a particular option. Some examples of architecture decisions are the choice of technologies, standards, protocols, and frameworks. Architecture decisions help to justify, communicate, and trace the software architecture design, as well as to identify and resolve conflicts and risks. However, architecture decisions may be difficult to elicit, document, and maintain.

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6 Architecture styles

A sixth common method for documenting software architecture is using architecture styles. Architecture styles are sets of principles, rules, and constraints that guide the design of a software architecture. Architecture styles define the types, roles, and relationships of the architecture elements, as well as the quality attributes and trade-offs. Some examples of architecture styles are the monolithic style, the event-driven style, the service-oriented style, and the reactive style. Architecture styles help to shape the overall structure, behavior, and properties of the software architecture, as well as to align it with the domain and the context. However, architecture styles may not be sufficient, flexible, or compatible for some projects.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most common methods for documenting software architecture?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Views and viewpoints

2 Architecture description languages

3 Architecture frameworks

4 Architecture patterns

5 Architecture decisions

6 Architecture styles

7 Here’s what else to consider

System Development

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What are the most common methods for documenting software architecture?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Views and viewpoints

2 Architecture description languages

3 Architecture frameworks

4 Architecture patterns

5 Architecture decisions

6 Architecture styles

7 Here’s what else to consider

System Development

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