why are architecture diagrams important in programming

You can make it in just about any tool you can use to write words, enabling just about anybody to create one. You create “user cards” with roles and list architecturally significant use cases on the cards. So, people can understand it or even create one with little or no training or prior experience. Many diagrams notations can depict who and what, like a system context diagram or UML use case, but I prefer using a solution user diagram.Ī solution user diagram is simple it is barely a diagram. Knowing who and what is usually enough for an architect to design a solution without having detailed requirements. Therefore, the first and most critical view for describing an architecture is one that clarifies who is using the solution and what they are using it for. All technology solutions are designed to address people’s needs: all architecture is people-centric. Nobody designs technology solutions in a vacuum. Without further ado, here are the four views I recommend. While it seems counter-intuitive, using multiple fit-for-purpose views is more understandable than trying to jam everything onto a single diagram. You will note that I said diagram s and not a diagram. Finally, the diagram becomes a historical record of the architecture (even a dated design is better than no design).Īfter decades of designing solution architectures, I have landed on a set of views that I use to depict any solution architecture. Firstly, a solution architect can use them to effectively think through an architecture design because the diagrams help to structure thinking and because the architect can put the diagram down and come back to it later with a “fresh set of eyes.” Secondly, a solution architect can use the diagrams to effectively facilitate the conversations required to share the design, gather feedback, and gain approval. Diagrams are a powerful tool for solution architecture design.

Why are architecture diagrams important in programming