What is Architecture: a Definition

re: What is Architecture: a Definition

Richard Veryard — Tue, 28 Mar 2006 10:22:17 GMT

I like the fact that you define architecture not as an artefact (organization, representation, description, structure) but as a practice (the use of ...).

So when you refer to future architectures, I hope this means future architectural directions and practices, and not just future artefacts.

re: What is Architecture: a Definition

soccerdad — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:11:32 GMT

I would change it slightly:

"...abstractions, models, and industry best practices...".

A key element of architecture is to apply lessons from past projects. In the civil engineering world, especially, it's important not to reinvent the wheel when well-defined requirements and best practices have been established.

re: What is Architecture: a Definition

Michael Platt — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 06:51:20 GMT

Agree totally, learning from history is something we do far too little of in IT.

ike

re: What is Architecture: a Definition

Alan Bell — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 09:15:43 GMT

I like it - it does what it describes to the long winded 8¬) wording below, abstracts it to simplify and communicate, and leaves me with a picture in my mind of what Architecture is all about.

The Definition of

CraigBlog — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 17:23:42 GMT

Do Architects Design?

Michael Platt's WebLog — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 19:54:05 GMT

Of course they do!! Craig blogged about my architecture definition and said that my definition didn't...

What is an Architect?

Michael Platt's WebLog — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 20:42:59 GMT

Arrgh, yet again I have been drawn into the "what is an architect" discussion! I knew it was a mistake...

re: What is Architecture: a Definition

Mike — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 22:06:40 GMT

I found quite a good definition of what a software architect has to do in the audio commentary of one of the Lord of the Rings movies. Peter Jackson described how the script always changed just days or hours before shooting and he compared the script writers to someone who "ferociously lays down tracks in front of a running train".

Software architects must ensure that their train (software project) goes in the right direction by laying down the tracks, that it stays on the rails and that it arrives at the destination in time. Passengers (programmers, managers, ...) have to feel comfortable and safe. The train should run smoothly, even in hard weather.

Mike

re: What is Architecture: a Definition

Michael Platt — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 00:06:16 GMT

Like that!
Mike

re: What is Architecture: a Definition

Peter Bakker — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 06:50:34 GMT

For me an architecture is a mix of a science, engineering and marketing. First an architect must understand why there is some kind of a problem. Then an architect must understand how to solve the problem and how to implement the solution. And last but not least the architect must promote and sell the outcome of the previous stages and predict new trends.

So, your short version definition fits rather well! I maybe would add a goal part by adding for example:

Architecture is the use of abstractions and models to simplify and communicate complex structures and processes to improve understanding, implementation and forecasting.

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IBM on Architecture

Michael Platt's WebLog — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 20:45:28 GMT

&nbsp;What is a software architecture? &nbsp;http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/rational/library/feb06/eeles/index.html...