Friday, 1 November 2024

Overview of Software Architecture

 Software architecture is a high-level blueprint of a software system that defines the structure, behavior, and more abstract components of the system, serving as a bridge between user requirements and the system's technical implementation. Here's a guide to common architectural styles with an illustrative example and diagram.

1. Layered (N-Tier) Architecture

The Layered Architecture is divided into layers where each layer has a specific responsibility, often seen in web applications. The common layers include:

  • Presentation Layer: Handles UI and user interaction.

  • Business Logic Layer: Manages core logic and processes.

  • Data Access Layer: Interacts with the database or storage.

Use Case: Suitable for applications with a clear separation between UI, logic, and data storage.

Diagram:

----------------------

|  Presentation Layer |

----------------------

|  Business Layer     |

----------------------

|  Data Access Layer  |

----------------------

|  Database           |

----------------------

2. Microservices Architecture

Microservices Architecture involves breaking down an application into independent, loosely coupled services, each responsible for a specific function or feature, communicating over a network.

Use Case: Best suited for complex, large-scale applications needing scalability and frequent independent updates.

Diagram:

------------------------

|  User Interface       |

------------------------

      |         |         |

-------------------------------------

|      Service A     |    Service B    |    Service C     |

-------------------------------------

      |         |         |

-------------------------------------

|    Database A   |    Database B   |    Database C   |

-------------------------------------

3. Client-Server Architecture

In Client-Server Architecture, clients (often users' devices or browsers) make requests to a central server that handles these requests. The server processes the requests and sends responses back to the client.

Use Case: Common in web applications and networked applications where clients need a single point of access.

Diagram:

       --------------------

       |    Client A      |

       --------------------

              |      

       --------------------

       |    Client B      |

       --------------------

               |      

---------------------------

|       Server               |

---------------------------

4. Event-Driven Architecture

In Event-Driven Architecture, components communicate through events. There are two main types: producer and consumer. Producers emit events that consumers react to. This architecture is useful for real-time applications that require immediate response to actions.

Use Case: Ideal for applications with high-frequency event handling, such as IoT systems, real-time data processing, or monitoring systems.

Diagram:

----------------

|   Producer A   | -----\

----------------           \

                             >------- Event Queue ---------> Consumer A

----------------           /                            

|   Producer B   | -----/

----------------

 

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