Learning Objectives
5 objectives- Understand fundamental software architecture and design principles and their importance in software development.
- Identify and apply common architectural styles and design patterns in software system design.
- Apply core design principles such as SOLID, DRY, and KISS to create maintainable and scalable software.
- Utilize software design models including UML diagrams to effectively communicate software designs.
- Design software systems focusing on scalability, performance, security, reliability, and evolutionary adaptability.
Content Outline
PreviewUnit 907: Software Architecture and Design
1. Introduction to Software Architecture and Design
- Definition and scope of software architecture
- Key design principles overview
- Importance of good architecture in software projects
- Role of architecture in project success and maintenance
2. Architectural Styles and Patterns
2.1 Common Architectural Styles
- Client-server architecture
- Layered (n-tier) architecture
- Microservices architecture
2.2 Design Patterns
- Model-View-Controller (MVC)
- Observer pattern
- Singleton pattern
2.3 Applying Styles and Patterns
- Use cases and benefits
- Trade-offs and challenges
3. Design Principles and Best Practices
3.1 SOLID Principles
- Single Responsibility Principle
- Open-Closed Principle
- Liskov Substitution Principle
- Interface Segregation Principle
- Dependency Inversion Principle
3.2 Additional Principles
- DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself)
- KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid)
3.3 Best Practices
- Writing maintainable code
- Designing for scalability
- Code readability and documentation
4. Software Design Models
4.1 Introduction to UML
- Purpose and benefits of UML
4.2 UML Diagrams
- Class diagrams: structure and relationships
- Sequence diagrams: object interactions over time
- Use case diagrams: capturing requirements
4.3 Practical Application
- Creating and interpreting UML diagrams
- Tools for UML modeling
5. Component-Based Architecture
- Definition and concepts
- Benefits: reusability, modularity, maintainability
- Designing component-based systems
- Examples and use cases
6. Designing for Scalability and Performance
- Understanding scalability: vertical vs horizontal
- Load balancing and caching strategies
- Performance optimization techniques
- Monitoring and performance tuning
7. Designing for Security and Reliability
- Importance of security in design
- Secure coding practices and threat modeling
- Designing for fault tolerance and high availability
- Strategies to minimize downtime
8. Evolutionary Architecture
- Concept and significance
- Principles of evolutionary design
- Techniques for enabling adaptability and flexibility
- Continuous integration and deployment implications
9. Case Studies in Software Architecture and Design
- Analysis of real-world software systems
- Challenges faced and solutions applied
- Lessons learned and best practices
- Discussion and critical evaluation
Unlock the full outline
Get the complete content outline, learning outcomes and assessment methods for Software Architecture And Design.
KSh 20 one-off, or included with a plan
Learning Outcomes
Unlock the outline above to see learning outcomes.
Assessment Methods
Unlock the outline above to see assessment methods.