What are the different architectural styles applied for software development? Explain with diagrams.

Question

**What are the different architectural styles applied for software development? Explain with diagrams.**

Accepted Answer

### Solution

#### Architectural Styles (Sommerville/Pressman) - with Diagrams

**1. Layered / N-Tier**
- Hierarchy of layers, each provides service to above. e.g., OSI, Web: Presentation → Business → Data.
```
[ UI Layer ] → [ Application ] → [ Data Layer ]
```

**2. Client-Server**
- Clients request via network from centralized servers. 2-tier / 3-tier.
```
Client → Network → Server (DB/App)
```

**3. Model-View-Controller (MVC)**
- Model (data), View (UI), Controller (logic). Used in Web frameworks.

**4. Repository / Blackboard**
- Central data store, independent components operate on it. e.g., IDE, Compiler, CASE tool.
```
[Tool1] ↔ [Central Repository] ↔ [Tool2]
```

**5. Pipe and Filter**
- Data stream passes through filters via pipes. e.g., Unix shell `ps | grep | sort`, Compilers.
```
Source → Filter1 | → Filter2 | → Sink
```

**6. Event-Driven / Publish-Subscribe**
- Components communicate via events. e.g., GUI, IDE listeners.

**7. Microservices / SOA**
- Independent deployable services with APIs. Modern cloud style.

**Selection criteria:** Data flow, control, distribution, modifiability. Most real systems are **hybrid** (e.g., Layered + Client-Server).

Solution

Architectural Styles (Sommerville/Pressman) - with Diagrams

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