An Architectural Decision is a fundamental choice made during the design of a software system, which has a significant impact on its structure and behavior. These decisions involve selecting among multiple options based on various criteria, such as performance, scalability, maintainability, and cost. Architectural decisions are often documented to provide a rationale for the chosen approach and to guide future development. They play a crucial role in ensuring that the system meets its requirements and constraints while maintaining flexibility for future changes.
What factors influence architectural decisions?
Factors influencing architectural decisions include performance, scalability, maintainability, security, cost, and alignment with business goals and technical requirements.
Why is it important to document architectural decisions?
Documenting architectural decisions provides a rationale for the chosen approach, ensuring transparency and guiding future development and maintenance efforts.
How can architectural decisions impact system scalability?
Architectural decisions impact system scalability by determining how well the system can handle increased load and how easily it can be expanded to accommodate growth.