Patterns selection for software architecture: an approach based on quality attribute parameters

Applying patterns to architecture allows the reuse of efficient solutions. However, the activity of selecting which pattern is appropriate for each project is not trivial, especially for less experienced developers. The architecture is designed to satisfy, in part, quality attribute requirements. Pattern selection considering quality attributes specified for a project, delivers a very coarse-grained result, including patterns with very different purpose. This paper proposes an approach for selecting patterns, based on Quality Attribute Parameters. A study was conducted to identify parameters which consist of sub-requirements of quality attributes. The parameters are described directly or indirectly among software requirements and can characterize quality attributes. These parameters allow a more detailed description of quality requirements and a more fine-grained pattern selection. Thus, they help developers in the task of selecting patterns for each project more efficiently.