What tools do you use to model and analyze system architecture?

In my point of view, Sequence Diagram and Block Diagram are good options to explain system flow and the best platform for this is Lucid Chart due to its easy-to-use interface and a large library of icons, and elements.

Sparx Systems and Enterprise Architect are the same tool. I would add some MBSE tools such as Rhapsody, CAMEO, Capella or SCADE Architect. I would also clarify that the article is constrained to SW Systems as it seems.

Use UML for validation of architecture by detailing sequence diagrams. Sequencing diagrams helps in validating/defining interfaces and responses between subsystems and software components, Further UML can be used to describe architecture via flow diagrams, module interconnection diagram and context diagram.

In project architecture modeling, specific tools and methodologies are often needed. Online tools are suitable for simpler systems, but for complex enterprise systems, Microsoft Visio shines. It excels with its user-friendly interface, extensive shape library, and seamless integration. For complex projects, Enterprise Architecture tools like Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect and modeling languages like UML (Unified Modeling Language) with tools such as IBM Rational Software Architect have been invaluable. The choice depends on the project's complexity and needs.

The biggest challenge with system architecture diagrams is keeping them up to date and true-to-code. This is why auto-generated system architecture diagrams, not only based on the static code but actually based on the calls, interactions and entities used - is the only way to keep system architecture diagrams relevant, and beyond that, insightful and actionable. Distributed tracing is a tool that enables developers to track requests as they move through different services, and leveraging context propagation, it provides a detailed view of the entire system. OpenTelemetry has emerged as the open-source industry to help teams gain unparalleled visibility into their application structure and flows - and construct a live architecture diagram.

Tools like CAMEO or Capella are both a modelling and an analysis tool. Both provide the capability to model the architecture (logical & physical) and compare alternatives by capturing KPIs.

Duet AI for Google Cloud Platform is an AI-powered code generation tool that translates plain English descriptions of desired cloud infrastructure into complete, production-ready Google Cloud configurations, code, and manifests tailored to your use cases. This AI-assisted approach enforces best practices, reduces errors, accelerates development, and saves significant time compared to manual coding. By leveraging Duet AI's advanced AI capabilities, you can focus on describing your architecture while automatically producing optimized Google Cloud implementations, thereby enforcing consistency, boosting productivity, and speeding time-to-deployment.

GitHub and GitLab streamline our version control, while Confluence keeps everyone on the same page. Miro, on the other hand, offers a visual touchpoint for brainstorming. These collaboration tools are pivotal, ensuring our architectural plans are both innovative and consistently communicated across the team.

GitHub enables collaborative development of system architecture through centralized artifact storage, access controls, peer code reviews, and project management features. Architects can store diagrams, models, docs in GitHub repositories, using branches and merges to control changes. Pull requests facilitate engineer discussion and feedback on architecture changes. Issues and wikis centralize coordination and knowledge sharing. GitHub Pages publish architecture docs for stakeholder reviews. GitHub streamlines architecture collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution by combining vital capabilities like version control, reviewing, documentation, and project tracking in a versatile platform tailored for technical teams.

Miro has been my go to collaboration tool. It's easy to learn and has many different ways to collaborate. It really allows each person on the team to communicate in their given style. If you are a start up check out there Start Up program! You can get a large credit to help you during this phase of your business. Although with some many different ways to collaborate on Miro you can get overwhelmed with features.

Tools like Prometheus and Grafana have been valuable in providing real-time insights into our system's behavior. While logs and metrics give us a quantifiable measure, traces offer a storyline of how data maneuvers through our architecture. With tools like Jaeger, I've been able to get a microscopic view into transactions, pinpointing inefficiencies. Elastic, on the other hand, has empowered our teams to make data-driven decisions. In essence, these monitoring tools are not just about problem detection but about constantly refining and optimizing our architectural strategies to deliver unwavering quality.

For modelling and analysing system architecture, learning tools include – Online platforms like Coursera or edX offering courses in UML, SysML, and architectural design patterns. Interactive tutorials and webinars provided by software vendors such as Sparx Systems for Enterprise Architect. Documentation and case studies from industry standards like TOGAF for enterprise architecture. Simulation tool tutorials for MATLAB and Simulink to understand system dynamics. CAD and BIM software training modules for hands-on learning in physical system design. Community forums and discussion groups for peer learning and problem-solving.

I can vouch for the immense value of tools like Coursera and O'Reilly. While they've refined my theoretical grasp, the true essence of understanding architecture has come from learning that knowledge with real-world applications. Platforms like Software Engineering Radio or InfoQ serve as continuous reminders that in the dynamic world of architecture, learning is a perpetual journey. It's a blend of structured guidance from these tools and hands-on experience that has truly shaped my perspective and approach.

Google Cloud Skills Boost provides hands-on labs and learning resources to help gain practical experience with Google Cloud Platform tools and services. The courses cover topics like Compute Engine, Kubernetes, data analytics, machine learning, and designing scalable systems. Google Cloud Skills Boost can expand knowledge of building robust cloud architecture using Google infrastructure. The hands-on labs allow practicing deploying real cloud architectures and gaining valuable skills.

The tool that has helped me the most is A Cloud Guru. Along side all the course work and lectures they include hands on labs that are built on the technology stack that you are studying. I'm also a big advocate for following tutorials on resources like YouTube. While most of these tutorials are focused on entry level concepts it's a great way to understand what the markets needs are and what your clients are most likely looking to learn.

Tools will only be as good as the coherent vision that is shared by the architecture and development teams. The technical leadership should be clear in communicating a set of shared values and direction, which should be fine tuned as technology and understanding evolves. The principal value of an architect is being the source of truth for the team’s core values.

Good knowledge base. A team who wants to be proud of accomplishing those project's goals. The rest are tools. In the same time choosing the right tools manageable by the team is important for the team and project's health. And updating the knowledge base whole progressing in time.

Combine tools to get a complete picture. Choose wisely to maximize insight, communication, and efficiency. Evolve with new capabilities. Evaluate open source options. Find the right abstraction level. Maintain documentation. Consider lighter options. Enable proficiency through training. The goal is finding the right toolset fit.

Concept of execution for the different scenarios force you to think how architecture components should cooperate. This is very helpful to understand dynamic behavior of the system.