Software Architecture Methodology in Agile Environments

Abstract

Lengthy requirements, design, integration, test, and assurance cycles delay software delivery, resulting in late discovery of mismatched assumptions and system level rework. In response, development methods that enable frequent iterations with small increments of functionality, such as agile practices, have become popular. However, since the business goals and context continuously evolve, the software architecture must also change. Currently, a clear specification in software architecture activities and processes in agile environments does not exist. In this paper, we provide an overview on agile development methodology along with the software architecture related issues in agile environments. Our main contribution is a novel methodology to guide and assist practitioners adopting software architectural design in agile environments.