The Vital Role of Software Architecture Vs Agile Development

The perfect kind of architectural decision is the one which never has to be made. — Robert Martin

Is it essential to use Software Architecture??

Before answering this controversial question, let's explore what Software Architecture is.

Software architecture is a high-level and structured framework that defines the fundamental components, their relationships, and the system's behavior. (Manchanda, 2023). It serves as a strategic blueprint guiding the design, development, and evolution of a software system, enabling key decisions about the system's organization, functionality, and interactions.

A clear Software architecture provides a solid foundation for the development and maintenance of the software system. A good software architecture embodies the principles of?modularity,?scalability, and?reusability, allowing for easier collaboration among team members and facilitating the implementation of new features and functionalities.

??Huh, what are those principles?

Modularity: In the architecture world, modularity means practicing the division of software systems into discrete, self-contained components, promoting clarity and maintainability.

Scalability: Scalable architecture ensures a system can handle increased loads and data flows without compromising performance or reliability.

Reusability: Reusable components allow for the efficient use of code in various parts of the system, saving time and effort.

A simple scenario:

Let's assign two teams to build a mobile app for a food delivery service. While the first team focused on a quick delivery strategy, the other team focused on comprehensive architecture. The first team's primary goal was to release the app quickly to be the first in the market. As a result, their code base was disorganized and lacked modularity. In contrast, the second team took their time to design a well-structured software architecture for the app. Their code base was well-organized, modular, and well-documented.

Based on the scenario, which team do you think will have success in the Long Run?

Initially, both teams' apps may perform similarly. However, as user numbers grow, the advantages of a well-designed architecture become apparent. Due to its disorganized codebase, the first team's app struggles to handle increased traffic and incorporate new features. Maintenance becomes challenging, resulting in a poor user experience and a loss of customers. In contrast, the second team's well-structured app thrives and sustains success.

What does the Agile Perspective say:

While Agile development prioritizes working software, the role of documentation is a subtle topic. Agile emphasizes clear documentation but not necessarily comprehensive documentation. The Agile Manifesto values?working software?over extensive documentation. It's a belief that code itself can serve as documentation.

What I suggest:

The key is finding the balance between documentation and software delivery. This balance acknowledges that comprehensive documentation alone does not guarantee success. Agile encourages clear documentation that complements the development process. It's about ensuring that the right information is available to the right people at the right time.

Are documents unnecessary for obvious topics?

The need for documentation depends on the complexity of the topic and the audience. Some seemingly simple topics may hold intricate nuances that require documentation for accurate understanding. The decision to document should be a collaborative one, made by the team, considering the project's context and requirements.

Last but not least, software architecture plays a vital role in Agile development. It provides a structured framework that underpins a software system's success. While Agile values working software, it also recognizes the importance of clear documentation. The key is to strike the right balance between documentation and software delivery, ensuring that information is readily available without burdening the process. Ultimately, the role of documentation in Agile development is contextual, adapting to the needs of the project and its stakeholders.