CS-701 Software Architectures - Nov 2022 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aWhat is the need of documentation in software architecture? Describe the basic principles to follow.
   How to answer

   • Define need for documentation: communication, maintenance, analysis
   • List stakeholders and uses
   • Describe basic principles: e.g., write from reader view, avoid repetition, etc.
   • Explain views and documentation templates
2. 7 Marks
   bWhat are context diagrams? How they are used to document software behavior?
   How to answer

   • Define context diagram: top-level data flow view
   • Explain elements: system, external entities, flows
   • Explain use to document behavior and scope
   • Give example
3. 7 Marks
   aDraw and explain the spiral model of software development. Enlist the advantages and disadvantages of spiral model.
   How to answer

   • Draw four-quadrant spiral with iterations
   • Explain phases: planning, risk analysis, engineering, evaluation
   • List advantages: risk handling, iterative, customer feedback
   • List disadvantages: cost, complexity, management
4. 7 Marks
   bWrite a short note on software components and connectors.
   How to answer

   • Define software components: computation units with interfaces
   • Define connectors: interaction mechanisms
   • Explain types and roles in architecture
   • Give examples
5. 7 Marks
   aDescribe different types of software architecture models.
   How to answer

   • Define software architecture models/patterns
   • Describe types: layered, client-server, pipe-filter, etc.
   • Explain characteristics and applicability
   • Give examples
6. 7 Marks
   bExplain micro services based architecture and agent based architecture in brief.
   How to answer

   • Define microservices architecture: independent deployable services
   • Define agent-based architecture: autonomous agents
   • Explain characteristics and communication
   • Compare use cases briefly
7. 7 Marks
   aDescribe the Cost Benefit Analysis Method for the economic analysis of software architecture. What are its benefits?
   How to answer

   • Define Cost Benefit Analysis Method (CBAM) for architecture
   • Describe steps: scenarios, architectural strategies, utility, cost
   • Explain decision making using ROI/desirability
   • List benefits: economic reasoning, prioritization
8. 7 Marks
   bExplain attribute driven design method of architecture analysis.
   How to answer

   • Define Attribute Driven Design (ADD) method
   • Explain inputs: drivers, constraints, quality attributes
   • Describe iterative steps: choose element, tactics, views
   • Explain use in architecture analysis
9. 7 Marks
   aWrite down the steps to analyse quality of software Architecture using Trade-off Analysis (ATAM) Method.
   How to answer

   • Define ATAM purpose and participants
   • List phases: presentation, utility tree, scenarios, analysis
   • Explain steps 1-9 in order
   • Mention outputs: risks, trade-offs, sensitivity points
10. 7 Marks
    bDescribe Active Reviews for Intermediate Design (ARID). What's are its benefits over ATAM.
    How to answer

    • Define ARID: review of partial designs
    • Describe steps: identify reviewers, scenarios, review
    • Explain benefits: early feedback, suitability
    • Compare advantages over ATAM
11. 7 Marks
    aExplain the role of architecture description language using suitable examples.
    How to answer

    • Define ADL: formal language for architecture
    • Explain role: specification, analysis, code generation
    • Describe elements: components, connectors, configurations
    • Give examples: ACME, Wright, UniCon
12. 7 Marks
    bDescribe various UML diagrams used in software architecture using suitable diagrams.
    How to answer

    • List UML diagram types: class, sequence, component, deployment
    • Explain use for structural and behavioral views
    • Draw suitable example diagrams
    • Relate to architecture representation
13. 7 Marks
    aWhat is a software architecture framework? Write the difference between client-server and master-slave software architecture patterns.
    How to answer

    • Define software architecture framework
    • Describe client-server pattern: request-reply, characteristics
    • Describe master-slave pattern: control, replication
    • Tabulate differences: control, scalability, use
14. 7 Marks
    bWrite a short note on pipes and filter architecture.
    How to answer

    • Define pipes and filters: stream processing
    • Explain components: filters, pipes, data flow
    • Discuss advantages: reusability, concurrency
    • Give example applications e.g., compilers
15. 14 Marks
    Write short notes on any two of the following

    1. i)Java RMI
    2. ii)CORBA
    3. iii)Layered software architecture
    4. iv)Software development life cycle
    How to answer

    • Select any two topics from list
    • Define each with key concepts and architecture role
    • Explain working/characteristics with example
    • Mention advantages/applications