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The Process of Software Architecting
A Comprehensive Process for Defining Software Architectures That Work
A good software architecture is the foundation of any successful software system. Effective architecting requires a clear understanding of organizational roles, artifacts, activities performed, and the optimal sequence for performing those activities.
With The Process of Software Architecting, Peter Eeles and Peter Cripps provide guidance on these challenges by covering all aspects of architecting a software system, introducing best-practice techniques that apply in every environment, whether based on Java EE, Microsoft .NET, or other technologies. Eeles and Cripps first illuminate concepts related to software architecture, including architecture documentation and reusable assets. Next, they present an accessible, task-focused guided tour through a typical project, focusing on the architect’s role, with common issues illuminated and addressed throughout. Finally, they conclude with a set of best practices that can be applied to today’s most complex systems.
You will come away from this book understanding:
- The role of the architect in a typical software development project
- How to document a software architecture to satisfy the needs of different stakeholders
- The applicability of reusable assets in the process of architecting
- The role of the architect with respect to requirements definition
- The derivation of an architecture based on a set of requirements
- The relevance of architecting in creating complex systems
- The Process of Software Architecting will be an indispensable resource for every working and aspiring software architect—and for every project manager and other software professional who needs to understand how architecture influences their work.
A good software architecture is the foundation of any successful software system. Effective architecting requires a clear understanding of organizational roles, artifacts, activities performed, and the optimal sequence for performing those activities.
With The Process of Software Architecting, Peter Eeles and Peter Cripps provide guidance on these challenges by covering all aspects of architecting a software system, introducing best-practice techniques that apply in every environment, whether based on Java EE, Microsoft .NET, or other technologies. Eeles and Cripps first illuminate concepts related to software architecture, including architecture documentation and reusable assets. Next, they present an accessible, task-focused guided tour through a typical project, focusing on the architect’s role, with common issues illuminated and addressed throughout. Finally, they conclude with a set of best practices that can be applied to today’s most complex systems.
You will come away from this book understanding:
- The role of the architect in a typical software development project
- How to document a software architecture to satisfy the needs of different stakeholders
- The applicability of reusable assets in the process of architecting
- The role of the architect with respect to requirements definition
- The derivation of an architecture based on a set of requirements
- The relevance of architecting in creating complex systems
- The Process of Software Architecting will be an indispensable resource for every working and aspiring software architect—and for every project manager and other software professional who needs to understand how architecture influences their work.
432 pages, Paperback
First published December 19, 2007
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November 13, 2010
"The Process of Software Architecting" looks like it could be read in one sitting. Don't be fooled. It is one of the most informative and thought provoking "job discussion" type books I have read in a long time. I made notes in the margins on page 1 and continued to the end.
Another surprise was the preface saying both architects and students are the target audience. True. Students won't get the deepness of it, but they will still learn a lot. Finally, the authors are both IBM'ers but it doesn't read like an IBM book or have an IBM slant. While the case study uses JEE, the authors summarize relevant knowledge beforehand.
Ok. Enough with the surprises. This approachable book is visual and list heavy which makes for easy understanding. Consistent bold keywords help readability. I found myself skimming some parts where the visual said it all. The appendices provide a tabular summary of much content.
For the 200 page case study, they have tasks defined in a summary box. Each task has steps along with checklists/pitfalls/best practices where applicable. I REALLY like this format. I particularly liked the emphasis on providing a mental map/thinking as an architect.
While the case study is simpler than real life, it is supplemented by examples later. My only complaint was the term "right-sizing" to mean scaling small vs large teams. Since this word was hijacked to mean layoffs, it is emotionally charged. But that being my only issue with the book is still pretty good.
I strongly recommend this book for anyone who is an architect or wants to be one day.
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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for writing this review on behalf of CodeRanch.
Another surprise was the preface saying both architects and students are the target audience. True. Students won't get the deepness of it, but they will still learn a lot. Finally, the authors are both IBM'ers but it doesn't read like an IBM book or have an IBM slant. While the case study uses JEE, the authors summarize relevant knowledge beforehand.
Ok. Enough with the surprises. This approachable book is visual and list heavy which makes for easy understanding. Consistent bold keywords help readability. I found myself skimming some parts where the visual said it all. The appendices provide a tabular summary of much content.
For the 200 page case study, they have tasks defined in a summary box. Each task has steps along with checklists/pitfalls/best practices where applicable. I REALLY like this format. I particularly liked the emphasis on providing a mental map/thinking as an architect.
While the case study is simpler than real life, it is supplemented by examples later. My only complaint was the term "right-sizing" to mean scaling small vs large teams. Since this word was hijacked to mean layoffs, it is emotionally charged. But that being my only issue with the book is still pretty good.
I strongly recommend this book for anyone who is an architect or wants to be one day.
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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for writing this review on behalf of CodeRanch.
Displaying 1 of 1 review