Exploring the Basics of Software Architecting

Lakindu Widuranga Alwis
3 min readMay 26, 2023

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Hello World! Have you heard about Software architecting? It might sound like a complex term, but trust me, it’s a fascinating aspect of software development. In this blog, we’ll dive into the basics of software architecture and explore the key concepts that any aspiring software developer should know.

1. Defining Software Architecture

Alright, let’s start with the basics.

Software architecture is like the backbone of a software system. It’s all about designing the structure and organization of the software, so it works smoothly and efficiently. Think of it as the blueprint that guides the development process. Good software architecture ensures the system meets its requirements while being flexible and easy to maintain.

2. Key Principles of Software Architecture

Now, let’s talk about the important principles to keep in mind when architecting software.

a. Modularity: Break it down! We divide the software system into smaller modules that do specific tasks. This way, we can reuse code, make maintenance easier, and test things separately. It’s like having building blocks that fit together.

b. Abstraction: We don’t need to get lost in the nitty-gritty details. Abstraction is about hiding unnecessary stuff and focusing on what’s important. It helps us understand the software better and keeps things less complicated.

c. Separation of Concerns: You know what they say, divide and conquer! We split the system into different parts, each dealing with its own thing. That way, we can develop and maintain those parts independently. It’s like teamwork with each part having a specific role.

d. Scalability: Think big! We want our software to handle increasing loads and grow with the user base. Scalability is all about planning ahead and making sure our architecture can handle more users or data without breaking a sweat.

e. Flexibility and Extensibility: The future is unpredictable, right? We need to build our architecture in a way that allows us to adapt and add new features without redoing everything. It’s like having a wardrobe with interchangeable pieces.

3. Architectural Patterns

Now, let’s talk about some cool patterns that architects often use.

a. Layered Architecture: Imagine a cake with different layers. In this pattern, we divide the software into layers like presentation, logic, and data. Each layer has its own responsibility, making things organized and easy to understand.

b. Microservices Architecture: Picture a bunch of small, independent services working together like a team. In this pattern, we break down the system into tiny services that communicate with each other. It’s like having small squads that can grow independently.

c. Event-Driven Architecture: Let’s embrace the flow! This pattern focuses on events and messages between components. It allows for asynchronous communication and scalability. It’s like going with the flow of a river.

d. MVC (Model-View-Controller): Think of a model as your brain, a view as your face, and a controller as your hands. This pattern splits the application into these three parts. The model handles data and logic, the view handles what you see, and the controller coordinates everything. It’s like having a well-organized project team.

Fact: MVC is my favourite Architecture Pattern :b

4. Documentation and Communication

Hold up, we can’t forget about documenting and communicating! As software architects, we need to write down our decisions, draw diagrams, and explain things clearly. Good documentation helps everyone understand what we’re doing. Plus, we need to communicate with the team and stakeholders to make sure we’re on the same page.

Finally, I want to say is Software architecture is an exciting field that lays the groundwork for awesome software systems.

Don’t forget to connect with me: lakinduw.me

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Lakindu Widuranga Alwis
Lakindu Widuranga Alwis

Written by Lakindu Widuranga Alwis

Self-taught Full-Stack Developer, AI Researcher and Business Strategist turned Entrepreneur. CEO of Akwid Labs.

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