Re:Only people building software systems get to have opinion...
by taylodl on Friday February 24, 2023 @05:38AM
(#34923116)
You seem to contradict yourself. You start off by noting all the non-technical constraints on a software architect and then say it's nothing like a construction architect by noting all their non-technical constraints.
They seem to be very similar - balancing client desires vs. real-world constraints, because no, it is not the case that everything is possible with regards to software architecture. Software architects have to contend with processing constraints, memory constraints, networking constraints, process management and coordination constraints, and organizational constraints. Depending on the industry vertical you're in you may even have to contend with regulatory constraints.
Re:Only people building software systems get to have opinion...
by sam_lowry_ on Friday February 24, 2023 @11:55AM
(#34926643)
Sure, there are real-world constraints in construction and in software, but the perception of constrants in software is different.
One can totally skip reality checks in software, because there is more variety, more options, crazy amounts of money and general immaturity.
I force myself into coding at least 25% of time because I do not want to become one of those non-coding architects that everyone including themselves despises.
You really can't just draw diagrams, write Software Architecture Documents and assume that you what you do makes sense.
Our minds have a tendency to wander off and need constant reality checks to operate properly.
All comparisons to construction business are flawed, because Architects in the construction business have to navigate an entangled reality of regulatory work, client desires, supply chain considerations and all other real-world constraints.
In contrast, Software Architects mostly work in a digital world where almost everything is possible, their perception of the reality will drift unless they fight the sensory deprivation with hands-on coding.