CS-701 Software Architectures - Nov 2023 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 Software Architecture? How software architecture represents a System's earliest set of design decisions?
   How to answer

   • Define software architecture (components, connectors, constraints).
   • Explain earliest design decisions: structure, quality attributes, constraints, platform choices.
   • Discuss impact on development, reuse, evolution and stakeholder communication.
   • Give example of architectural decision influencing system.
2. 7 Marks
   bWhat is Software Quality Model? Explain Mc Call's Model in detail.
   How to answer

   • Define software quality model and its purpose.
   • Outline McCall's three perspectives: product operation, revision, transition.
   • List and explain quality factors and criteria.
   • Discuss relevance and limitations.
3. 7 Marks
   aWhat are the Architectural Constraints of RESTful API? Explain.
   How to answer

   • Define REST and RESTful API.
   • List six constraints: client-server, stateless, cacheable, uniform interface, layered system, code on demand.
   • Explain each constraint briefly.
   • Mention benefits for scalability and interoperability.
4. 7 Marks
   bHow can we decide the quality of software architecture? Explain.
   How to answer

   • Define software architecture quality and quality attributes.
   • Discuss evaluation approaches: reviews, scenarios, metrics, ATAM/SAAM.
   • Explain role of stakeholders and requirements.
   • Outline steps to decide/judge quality.
5. 7 Marks
   aWhat is architecture description language? Outline the features of architecture description languages.
   How to answer

   • Define architecture description language (ADL).
   • Explain purpose: formal specification of components, connectors, configurations.
   • Outline features: composition, abstraction, reusability, analysis, evolution.
   • Give examples of ADLs.
6. 7 Marks
   bWhat is Model View Architecture? Explain its Characteristics in detail.
   How to answer

   • Define Model View Architecture (MVC).
   • Explain Model, View, Controller roles and interactions.
   • Discuss characteristics: separation of concerns, reusability, testability.
   • Mention advantages and applications.
7. 7 Marks
   aWhat are the six characteristics of a scenario for quality attributes specification?
   How to answer

   • Define quality attribute scenario.
   • List six parts: source, stimulus, artifact, environment, response, response measure.
   • Explain each characteristic briefly.
   • Give example scenario.
8. 7 Marks
   bExplain ATAM (Architecture Trade off Analysis Method) and its phase.
   How to answer

   • Define ATAM and its goals.
   • Describe phases: presentation, investigation, testing, reporting.
   • Explain steps: utility tree, scenario brainstorming, analysis.
   • Mention outputs: risks, tradeoffs, sensitivity points.
9. 7 Marks
   aExplain design rules of user interface architecture.
   How to answer

   • Define user interface architecture.
   • List design rules: consistency, feedback, error handling, simplicity.
   • Explain each rule with example.
   • Discuss usability impact.
10. 7 Marks
    bWhat is the Documentation Package? Explain in detail.
    How to answer

    • Define documentation package.
    • Describe contents: views, beyond views, cross-view information.
    • Explain documentation process and templates.
    • Discuss importance for stakeholders.
11. 7 Marks
    aWhat is Rapid Application Development Methodology? Explain its advantages and disadvantages.
    How to answer

    • Define RAD methodology and its phases.
    • Explain prototyping, iterative development, user involvement.
    • List advantages: speed, flexibility, user feedback.
    • List disadvantages: scalability, resource needs, unsuited for large systems.
12. 7 Marks
    bExplain pipes and filters in detail.
    How to answer

    • Define pipes and filters style.
    • Explain pipes, filters, data flow and processing.
    • Discuss characteristics: reusability, concurrency, flexibility.
    • Give examples and applications.
13. 7 Marks
    aDiscuss the role of UML in Software Architecture.
    How to answer

    • Define UML and its diagram types.
    • Explain use in architecture: use-case, class, component, deployment views.
    • Discuss role in visualization, specification, documentation.
    • Mention benefits for communication.
14. 7 Marks
    bWrite a note on Active Reviews for Intermediate Design.
    How to answer

    • Define Active Reviews for Intermediate Design (ARID).
    • Explain process: presentation, brainstorming, review.
    • Discuss participants and benefits.
    • Mention use for early design validation.
15. 7 Marks
    aWhat are the basic principles of Sound Documentation? Explain in detail.
    How to answer

    • Define sound documentation.
    • List principles: write from reader view, avoid ambiguity, keep current, use standard notation.
    • Explain each principle.
    • Discuss impact on maintenance and communication.
16. 7 Marks
    bWrite short note on Architectural Patterns.
    How to answer

    • Define architectural patterns.
    • Give examples: layered, MVC, pipes-filters, client-server.
    • Explain use and selection criteria.
    • Discuss benefits for reuse and quality.