What Makes Software Architecture So Intractable?

Track: Keynote

Abstract

Why can't we make software architecture once and for all? Why do we keep having to make the seemingly same decisions over and over again? This keynote delves into the slippery nature of software architecture decisions and the modern way to do trade-off analysis. I show tips and techniques for assessing architecture trade-offs, as well as some easy-to-fall-into anti-patterns. I also discuss iterative architecture–the faster you can get feedback for your trade-off analysis, the easier you can make architecture decisions based on objective reality, not opinions.

Neal Ford

Neal is Director, Software Architect, and Meme Wrangler at ThoughtWorks, a software company and a community of passionate, purpose-led individuals, who thinks disruptively to deliver technology to address the toughest challenges, all while seeking to revolutionize the IT industry and create positive social change. He is an internationally recognized expert on software development and delivery, especially in the intersection of agile engineering techniques and software architecture. Neal has authored magazine articles, seven books (and counting), dozens of video presentations, and spoken at hundreds of developers conferences worldwide. His topics include software architecture, continuous delivery, functional programming, cutting edge software innovations, and includes a business-focused book and video on improving technical presentations. Check out his web site at nealford.com.