What is the role of a software architect?

Are you a software architect?

The line between software development and software architecture is a tricky one. Some people will tell you that it doesn't exist and that architecture is simply an extension of the design process undertaken by developers. Others will make out it's a massive gaping chasm that can only be crossed by lofty developers who believe you must always abstract your abstractions and not get bogged down by those pesky implementation details. As always, there's a pragmatic balance somewhere in the middle, but it does raise the interesting question of how you move from one to the other. Read more...

What should a hands-on software architect do?

Becoming a software architect isn't something that simply happens overnight or with a promotion. It's a role, not a rank. It's an evolutionary process where you'll gradually gain the experience and confidence that you need to undertake the role. While the term "software developer" is fairly well understood, "software architect" isn't. Read more...

How do you avoid being an astronaut/ivory tower architect?

Our industry has a love/hate relationship with the software architect role, with many organisations dismissing it because of their negative experiences of architects that dictate from "ivory towers" and aren?t engaged with the actual task of building working software. This reputation is damaging the IT industry and inhibiting project success. Things need to change. Read more...

Crossing the mythical line or bridging the gaping chasm?

The line between software development and software architecture is a tricky one. Some people will tell you that it doesn't exist and that architecture is simply an extension of the design process undertaken by developers. Others will make out it's a massive gaping chasm that can only be crossed by lofty developers who believe you must always abstract your abstractions and not get bogged down by those pesky implementation details. As always, there's a pragmatic balance somewhere in the middle, but it does raise the interesting question of how you move from one to the other. Read more...

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You can see lots of other content discussing the role of a software architect in our What is the role of a software architect? category. Take a look if you want to read about how software architects fit into the team, leadership, responsibility, authority, soft skills and whether you should or shouldn't code.