Applying the Lessons of Matrix Representation to Box Diagrams
Year: 2014
Editor: Marle, F.; Jankovic, M.; Maurer, M.; Schmidt, D. M.; Lindemann, U.
Author: Grice, M.; Kimball, N.; Sangal, N.
Series: DSM
Section: Methods and Complexity Management
Page(s): 3-12
Abstract
A matrix representation is dense, abstract and lends itself well for analysis. However, it requires training and familiarity with the notation. A box diagram, on the other hand, is easier to understand but does not scale well. In this paper, we present techniques learned from the matrix representation and apply them to box diagrams. We also found that a combination of a matrix and box representation was often quite effective. The focus of this paper is architectural representation, in particular the architectural representation of software systems. Our box diagrams were customized for this purpose. However, these techniques may be useful for other kinds of systems as well.
Keywords: DSM, Box Diagram, Layering, Independent Subsystems, Partitioning