A structure in software architecture is the set of elements that constitute a system, as they exist in software or hardware.
Understanding Structures in Software Architecture
In software architecture, understanding the elements of a system and how they relate is crucial. A structure provides this understanding.
According to the provided reference, a structure focuses on:
- The set of elements within the software or hardware.
Structures vs. Views
It's important to differentiate between a structure and a view:
| Feature | Structure | View |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The actual elements as they exist. | A representation of a coherent set of architectural elements, as seen by stakeholders. |
| Purpose | To define the components of the system. | To communicate specific aspects of the architecture to different stakeholders. |
| Representation | The real elements within the system (code, hardware). | A visual or documented representation (e.g., diagrams, documentation) showing relationships between elements. |
| Audience | Primarily developers and system architects. | Various stakeholders including developers, testers, managers, and end-users. |
Examples
Consider an e-commerce system.
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Structure Examples: The actual code files for the user interface, the database server instance, the web server instance, the microservices responsible for handling orders, and the hardware that hosts these elements.
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View Examples: A deployment diagram showing how these components are deployed across different servers, a component diagram illustrating the interactions between the UI, web server, and database, or a use-case diagram showcasing the system's functionality from the end-user perspective.
In essence, structures are the real building blocks, whereas views are representations of those blocks designed for specific audiences.
