Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 5
Architecture and Design
See first that the design is wise and just: that ascertained, pursue
it resolutely;
do not for one repulse forego the purpose that you resolved
to effect.
—William Shakespeare
Architecture and design are essential to good software. They are founda-
tional aspects of software development. As in the case of many founda-
tions, they are not always visible or explicit. The advantages of good
architecture and design are often realized much later, especially when one
needs to deal with enhancements and growth. One of the major causes
of the failure of software applications and projects is the use of poor
architecture and design.
Architecture and design are different. One is not more important than
the other, yet both are difficult activities requiring a good understanding
of many domains and approaches.
Background
The discussion regarding the need for managing large software systems,
and integrating disjoint subsystems, began in the 1970s with DeRemer and
Kron. They emphasized the need for a language that could tie modules
together, citing the distinction between “programming-in-the-large versus
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