Software Architecture in Practice, Second Edition

Chapter 4. Understanding Quality Attributes

with Felix Bachmann and Mark Klein

Note: Felix Bachmann and Mark Klein are senior members of the technical staff at the Software Engineering Institute.

“Cheshire-Puss,” [Alice] began, rather timidly … “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to go to,” said the Cat. “Oh, I don't much care where—” said Alice. Then it doesn't matter which way you go,” said the Cat. “—so long as I get somewhere,” said Alice. “Oh, you're sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if only you walk long enough.”

—Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

As we have seen in the Architecture Business Cycle, business considerations determine qualities that ...