Collaborative Solutions to Software Architecture Challenges Faced by IT Professionals

Abstract

Software architecture serves as a crucial link between problem and solution domains in software systems. However, reliance on graphical artifacts for architecture design has limitations, especially in abstract analysis. To overcome these constraints, Architecture Description Languages (ADLs) offer a more formal approach. Yet, our research reveals that ADLs face numerous challenges, as identified through interviews, surveys, and community interactions. By mining content from various sources, including mailing lists and forums, we comprehensively explore the concerns of software engineers. Employing content mining, topic modeling, and grounded theory, we compile a database of real-world issues and solutions in software architecture. Comparing our findings with existing literature, we identify 17 primary issues faced by practitioners. We also compare our results with language models to ascertain areas of agreement and disagreement. Finally, we propose solutions for each identified issue to aid future analysts.