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Effective System Architecture Description using a Presentational Data Schema
Author(s) -
Hicks Paul,
Rabbets Tim
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
incose international symposium
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2334-5837
DOI - 10.1002/j.2334-5837.2016.00296.x
Subject(s) - computer science , architecture , presentational and representational acting , schema (genetic algorithms) , software engineering , key (lock) , database centric architecture , notation , reference architecture , software architecture , human–computer interaction , programming language , computer security , information retrieval , software , art , philosophy , arithmetic , mathematics , visual arts , aesthetics
This paper considers what system architecture is and what is involved in architecting. Two different approaches are summarised, and their key strengths and drawbacks identified. The first of these is the approach advocated principally by Dori, which is to address the issues of devising and communicating architectures primarily by the use of a comprehensive notation to which elaboration detail can be progressively added. The second approach is that taken by UML practitioners, which is to develop a number of distinct aspects of an architecture, underpinned by a formal meta model. The authors propose an approach which combines elements of both of these approaches, but which emphasises the need for, and benefits of, a more intuitive (yet still rigorous) approach. It offers comprehensive and integrated coverage of architecture aspects together with ease of communication and encouragement for disciplined architecture description. Architecting is a creative activity, and the essence is to capture and communicate the resulting products in a manner that is easy to understand and appreciate.