Creating and Using Software Architecture Documentation Using Web-Based Tool Support

Abstract : Documenting software architecture (DSA) is a crucial facet in the development of a software system, yet often it is carried out in a haphazard fashion, if at all. Lack of attention to documentation results from insufficient guidance about what should be documented and when and how it should be captured to be of maximum use to the stakeholder. The book "Documenting Software Architectures: Views and Beyond" provides guidance for the DSA approach, and this report describes the conceptual design for a documentation system based on that approach. A system is envisioned that enables the architect to capture architectural decisions and related artifacts as a living repository that can communicate information to stakeholders who might be both geographically and temporally distributed. The system must communicate in a way that allows each stakeholder quick and easy access to information relevant to the person's role in the software development process. This report describes a design prototype that demonstrates a Web-based approach to creating, communicating, and using software architecture throughout the life of the system.