Principles of Computer System Design

Chapter 1

Systems

Chapter Contents

Overview

1.1 Systems and Complexity

1.1.1 Common Problems of Systems in Many Fields

1.1.2 Systems, Components, Interfaces, and Environments

1.1.3 Complexity

1.2 Sources of Complexity

1.2.1 Cascading and Interacting Requirements

1.2.2 Maintaining High Utilization

1.3 Coping with Complexity I

1.3.1 Modularity

1.3.2 Abstraction

1.3.3 Layering

1.3.4 Hierarchy

1.3.5 Putting it Back Together: Names make Connections

1.4 Computer Systems are the Same but Different

1.4.1 Computer Systems have no Nearby Bounds on Composition

1.4.2 d(technology)/dt is Unprecedented

1.5 Coping With Complexity II

1.5.1 Why Modularity, Abstraction, Layering, and Hierarchy aren’t Enough

1.5.2 Iteration

1.5.3 Keep it Simple

What ...