Software Architecture Documentation Template

1. Introduction

• Overview of the document
• Purpose and scope of the architecture description
• Definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations used in the document

2. Architectural Stakeholders and Concerns

• Identification of stakeholders
• Concerns of the stakeholders

3. Architectural Description Overview

• High-level description of the software architecture
• Key architectural goals and constraints

4. Architectural Viewpoints

• Description of the architectural viewpoints adopted in the documentation
• Rationale for the selection of each viewpoint

5. Architectural Views

5.1 [View Name]

• Purpose and stakeholders of the view
• Overview of the view
• Detailed description including models and diagrams
• Analysis and rationale for the view

6. Architectural Models

• Detailed models used in each view, such as data flow diagrams, class diagrams, or deployment models
• Description of key elements within each model

7. Architecture Rationale

• Key architectural decisions made
• Alternatives considered and reasons for decision choices
• Impact of decisions on architectural goals and stakeholder concerns

8. Consistency Among Views

• Description of the consistency and relationships among different architectural views
• Mechanisms used for ensuring consistency

9. Architecture Framework and Languages

• Description of any architectural framework or languages used
• Rationale for their selection

10. Quality Attributes

• Description of key quality attributes such as performance, security, modifiability, and how the architecture addresses them

11. Glossary

• Definitions of terms used throughout the document

Appendices

• Additional information such as detailed diagrams, code listings, or other relevant documentation

References

• Bibliographic references to documents and standards referenced in the document