Software Architecture
Software architecture refers to the fundamental structures of a software system and the discipline of creating such structures and systems. It includes:
- Components (modules/services/classes)
- Relationships between components
- Design decisions and trade-offs
- Architectural patterns (like MVC, microservices)
- Technology stack
It is a high-level blueprint that defines the structure, behavior, and interactions of software systems. It focuses on how components are organized and how they communicate, considering both functional and non-functional requirements.
In system design, architecture helps to:
- Ensure scalability and performance
- Improve maintainability and extensibility
- Support reusability
- Enhance security and reliability
- Guide team collaboration and reduce technical debt
Key Elements of Software Architecture
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Components | The functional units (e.g., services, controllers, databases) |
| Connectors | How components interact (e.g., APIs, message queues) |
| Configurations | The topology of the system (how components are arranged and interact) |
| Architectural Styles | Patterns like monolith, microservices, layered, event-driven, etc. |
| Technology Stack | Chosen tools/libraries/languages used (e.g., React, Node.js, MongoDB) |