What is Software Architecture?

Hard to define, Harder to do right

Generally, as you become more senior in software engineering you begin to write less code and focus more on design, high level implementation, and the technical direction of your org. Generally, this is true. However some people do remain high output coders into their staff career. This can all be very individualized. Most people though tend to focus on the abstract and lucrative field Software Architecture, your’s truly included in the lucrative part.

What is Software Architecture?

Software architecture is not easily defined. I think of software architecture as systems design. Software architecture is traditionally less concerned with implementation and more concerned with the design. Why software architects (SAs) tend to be more senior and be more highly compensated is because the decisions at the design level tend to carry harsher consequences. One example at the design phase could be what programming language to use for a project.