In many discussions our customers have asked us, how architecture erosion affects software quality. These are the results.

Architecture erosion is usually the result of modifications to a system denying its fundamental architectural rules. This can lead to a decline in software quality and make it more complex and difficult to maintain. When the damage affects the architecture of a software system, the impact of erosion is radical. Software architecture establishes a crucial foundation for the systematic development and evolution of software. It provides a high level model of the structure and behavior of a system in terms of its constituent elements and their interactions with one another as well as with their operating environment. When architecture erosion occurs, it can accelerate software erosion by damaging the structural integrity of the system and violating its design principles. Disclaimer: This article is reflecting my own personal view, not necessarily my employer's opinion.