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In the field of consulting architecture, the assessment process is a critical step for evaluating and improving a client’s system architecture. This process closely resembles the discovery phase but expands to include a broader group of stakeholders and technical experts to conduct a thorough evaluation. Below, we outline the key stages and components of an effective assessment. Preparation: Setting the Stage The assessment begins with meticulous preparation. This involves creating a comprehensive agenda to ensure all necessary topics are covered during the process. Key activities include: Gathering Requirements : Similar to the discovery phase, architects collect requirements through workshops, such as the Quality Attributes Workshop , to understand the system’s needs. Reviewing Existing Architecture : Architects examine the current architecture, accessing critical resources like source code, cloud monitoring, logging systems, security protocols, and performance tests. Stakeholder E...

Architectural design is a critical process in software engineering and system architecture, ensuring that systems meet business goals and perform effectively. This article provides an overview of the architectural design process, breaking it down into three core phases: Requirements Gathering , Design , and Analysis and Testing . These steps form the foundation of most architectural methodologies, based on extensive research and practical experience. Phase 1: Requirements Gathering Requirements are the cornerstone of architectural design. They provide the foundation for all subsequent decisions and ensure that the system aligns with business objectives. Skipping or poorly defining requirements often leads to designs that fail to address critical needs, resulting in questions like, “What problem does this design solve?” or “How does it meet the business goals?” Key Aspects of Requirements Gathering Business Goals : Understand the client’s business case and objectives. These goals shape ...

Software architecture is a disciplined approach to designing systems that meet both business and technical objectives. At its core, the process begins with a critical first step: gathering requirements. This article explores the role of requirements in software architecture, why they matter to architects, and how they are categorized to drive effective system design. The Three Steps of Architectural Design The architectural design process can be distilled into three fundamental steps: Requirements Gathering : Identifying and documenting what the system must achieve. Design : Creating the blueprint for the system based on gathered requirements. Analysis and Testing : Evaluating the design to ensure it meets the defined goals. Requirements gathering is the foundation upon which the entire architectural process rests. Without a clear understanding of requirements, the resulting design risks being misaligned with business needs or technically infeasible. Why Requirements Matter to Architec...

     Reaching the level of a senior software engineer is a significant milestone in your career. You’ve honed your technical skills, delivered complex projects, mentored junior developers, and become a key contributor to your team’s success. But what comes next?      For me, this question has been a constant source of reflection. After reaching this level, I started to wonder: should I double down on my technical expertise, transition into leadership, or explore entrepreneurial opportunities? Each path offers unique challenges and rewards, and choosing the right one depends on personal aspirations, values, and long-term vision. 1. Become a Principal or Staff Engineer      For those who want to stay deeply technical while increasing their impact, the path of a principal engineer or staff engineer might be the best option. These roles typically involve: Architecting large-scale systems and making high-level technical decisions. Mentoring sen...

       It all started with a simple realization: some of the best things in my coding journey came from the open-source community. As a budding developer, I often found myself scouring GitHub, marveling at the vast array of projects and the generosity of people who shared their work with the world. It was through this open exchange of ideas and code that I learned, grew, and became the developer I am today. A Sense of Belonging      I remember the first time I contributed to an open-source project. I was nervous, unsure if my code would be good enough, but I went for it anyway. To my surprise, my contribution was welcomed warmly. The feeling of being part of something bigger than myself was exhilarating. This sense of belonging and collaboration was a key reason I decided to open source my projects. I wanted to recreate that welcoming environment for others, providing a platform where they could contribute, learn, and feel valued. The Joy of Learning a...

     Based on my experience, having a solid code review plan can make a huge difference in the quality of the software we develop. Over time, I've learned that focusing on different aspects at different stages can really streamline the process and catch potential issues early. Let me break down the approach I use, which has proven to be pretty effective.     API Semantics: The Foundation      I always start with the API Semantics, the foundation of our code review plan. Here, it's all about the big picture—making sure the API is minimal yet sufficient, without any unnecessary duplication. We want it to be intuitive and easy to use, sticking to the principle of least surprise. It’s also crucial to check the cleanliness of the API and ensure any new dependencies come with acceptable licenses. By focusing on these aspects first, we can build a solid base for the rest of the code.   Implementation Semantics: Ensuring Correctness and Efficiency ...

 It's been a while since I posted anything here. Let's change that! :) The first topic I want to cover is my experience using GitHub Copilot. Let's get started. What is Github Copilot? GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered tool designed to assist developers by providing hints, recommendations, bug fixes, and code writing based on context and guidance. The first version, available to everyone, was released in October 2021. GitHub markets Copilot not just as a "code completion tool" but as an "AI pair programmer." This is a smart move, as it sounds intriguing and generates interest. How to use Github Copilot? Use simple and clear language so that Copilot can better understand your comments and intentions.  Context is crucial for effective interaction with Copilot. Well-structured and readable code, meaningful names for files, classes, methods, and comments all contribute to better results. The more you use Copilot, the better it understands you and the more rele...