The terms “architecture” and “artifacts” are often used in the context of system design, software development, and enterprise architecture, but they refer to different aspects of the process.
Architecture
- Definition: Architecture refers to the fundamental organization of a system, including its components, their relationships to each other and to the environment, and the principles guiding its design and evolution.
- Scope: It is the blueprint or high-level design of the system that defines the structure and behavior of the entire system.
- Purpose: Architecture provides a holistic view of the system and serves as a guide for the development process, ensuring that all parts of the system work together effectively.
- Examples
- Software Architecture: The overall structure of a software system, including modules, components, interfaces, and data flows.
- Enterprise Architecture: The overarching framework that aligns business strategy with IT infrastructure, covering aspects like business processes, data, applications, and technology.
Artifacts
- Definition: Artifacts are tangible outputs, documents, or models created during the development process to capture and convey information about the system.
- Scope: They are specific items or deliverables produced as part of the architecture, design, implementation, or maintenance of the system.
- Purpose: Artifacts serve as documentation, communication tools, and sometimes as the basis for analysis, review, or compliance. They help stakeholders understand and interact with the system’s architecture.
- Examples
- Diagrams: Flowcharts, UML diagrams, ERD (Entity-Relationship Diagrams), etc.
- Documents: Design documents, architectural descriptions, specifications, and requirements.
- Models: Data models, process models, or simulation models.
- Code: Source code can also be considered an artifact when it serves to implement specific parts of the architecture.
Key Differences
- Level of Abstraction: Architecture is more abstract, focusing on the overall structure and guiding principles. Artifacts are more concrete and detailed, representing specific aspects or components of the architecture.
- Function: Architecture provides the “big picture” and strategic direction, while artifacts provide the details and specifics needed to implement, understand, or analyze the architecture.
- Creation: Architecture is often defined early in the development process and evolves over time, whereas artifacts are created throughout the development lifecycle to support and document the architecture and design decisions.
Why Architecture is Considered an Artifact?
In short, architecture is considered an artifact because it is a tangible output of the design process that plays a crucial role in guiding, documenting, and communicating the structure and behavior of a system throughout its lifecycle.
- Documentation of Structure: Architecture typically includes a high-level design of the system, which documents how various components interact, their relationships, and their dependencies. This documentation is a crucial artifact because it provides a blueprint for developers and other stakeholders.
- Guiding Implementation: The architectural design serves as a guide for the implementation process. As an artifact, it ensures that the system’s structure aligns with the overall goals, requirements, and constraints, acting as a reference throughout the development lifecycle.
- Communication Tool: Architecture artifacts are often used to communicate the design decisions to various stakeholders, including developers, project managers, and business analysts. These artifacts can include diagrams, models, and descriptive documentation.
- Change Management: As the system evolves, the architecture artifact is updated to reflect changes, ensuring that the system remains aligned with its intended design and purpose. This helps in managing and tracking changes over time.
- Compliance and Governance: In regulated environments, architecture artifacts may be required to demonstrate compliance with standards, regulations, or organizational policies. They provide evidence that the system is designed according to required guidelines.
For Your Further Reading:
- KSA PDPL – Initial Framework
- KSA PDPL – Consent Not Mandatory
- KSA NDMO – Data Catalog and Metadata
- KSA NDMO – Personal Data Protection – Initial Assessment
- KSA NDMO – Classification Process – Data Classification Metadata
- KSA NDMO – DG Artifacts Control – Data Management Issue Tracking Register
- Enterprise Architecture Governance
- Enterprise Architecture & Architecture Framework
- TOGAF – ADM (Architecture Development Method) vs. Enterprise Continuum
- Data Security Standards
- Data Steward – Stewardship Activities
- Data Modeling – Metrics and Checklist
- How to Measure the Value of Data
- What is Content and Content Management?
