Software Architect's Handbook

Constraints

Constraints are decisions imposed on a software project that must be satisfied by the architecture. They typically cannot be changed. They can affect the software architecture design and are therefore an architectural driver.

Constraints are generally fixed from the beginning of the project and might be technical or non-technical. Examples of technical constraints include being required to use a specific technology, having the ability to deploy to a particular type of target environment, or using a specific programming language. Examples of non-technical constraints are being required to abide by a certain regulation, or that the project must meet a particular deadline.

Constraints may also be classified by whether they are internal ...