General Idea for Creating a Software Architecture Using Reference Models

The architecture developed in this blog will follow the steps given in the diagram below:

 According to the diagram:

• The first step is to form a list of functional requirements for the software.
• The second step is to form a module structure representing the functional requirements.
• The third step is to identify the style(s) suitable for the architecture. The style should be the one that incorporated all the quality attributes associated with the functional modules.
• The fourth step is to combine the module structure with the appropriate style into a single diagram. The resultant diagram is known as the Reference Architecture Diagram. NOTE: THE ARCHITECTURE IS NOT YET FINALIZED!
• The fifth step is to give a brief description on the functional module. NOTE: NOW THE ARCHITECTURE IS COMPLETE
• The final step is to develop the system represented by the designed software system's architecture.

Formation of a Software Architecture for Student Portal System

• Step 1: Identification of Functional Requirement:

1. The student has to register himself/herself with the system.
2. The student can view their attendance record.
3. The student can give course feedback.
4. The student can attempt an exam.

• Step 2: Formulation of a Module Structure: The models can be connected depending upon their relationships.

• Step 3: Identification of Suitable Software Architectural Style: Multiple styles can be selected for the system.Two architectural styles have selected for it:
• Layered Architecture:

Layered Architecture

• Client-Server (Peer-to-Peer) Architecture:
  
• Step 4: Formulation of Reference Architecture: The best suitable software architectural style is combined with the designed module structure.
• Using Layered Architecture:
  

Reference Architecture for Student Portal System using Layered Architectural Style

• Using Client-Server (Peer-to-Peer) Architecture:

Reference Architecture for Student Portal System using Client-Server (Peer-to-Peer) Architectural Style

• Step 5: Description of Functional Modules: 

This sections describes the following aspects of all the identified functional modules:

1. Types of acceptable inputs.
2. Types of outputs given by the module.
3. Functionalities performed by the module.