Understanding Emergent Architecture
Emergent architecture is a key concept in Agile and Scrum, where the architecture of a system evolves over time as the team gains more knowledge and insight into the product. This approach contrasts with traditional upfront architectural planning and allows the system to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
Exam Question
Which of the following best describes Emergent Architecture?
(choose the best answer)
A. Enterprise Architects must be involved to create the foundation of each software product.
B. The desire to make decisions easier to change in the future and find the best possible point in time to make decisions.
C. Starting development of a software product requires a clear understanding of the underlying software architecture and Emergent Architecture describes the process of creating this initial architecture.
D. The software architecture emerges solely from the decisions the Developers make from a technical perspective.
E. In Scrum, there is no Architect-Role therefore architecture emerges naturally.
Correct Answer
D. The software architecture emerges solely from the decisions the Developers make from a technical perspective.
Explanation
Correct Answer
D. The software architecture emerges solely from the decisions the Developers make from a technical perspective:
Emergent architecture refers to a process where the architecture of a system gradually evolves as the Developers make technical decisions during the development process. This approach allows the system to be more flexible and adaptable, accommodating new requirements and changes as they arise.
Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate
A. Enterprise Architects must be involved to create the foundation of each software product:
While enterprise architects can contribute to architecture, emergent architecture in Scrum relies on the Developers’ decisions as they work on the product, rather than on predetermined designs created by architects.
B. The desire to make decisions easier to change in the future and find the best possible point in time to make decisions:
While this describes a key principle of Agile development, it doesn’t fully capture the essence of emergent architecture, which specifically refers to architecture developing from ongoing technical decisions made by Developers.
C. Starting development of a software product requires a clear understanding of the underlying software architecture and Emergent Architecture describes the process of creating this initial architecture:
Emergent architecture does not require a fully understood initial architecture. Instead, it focuses on allowing the architecture to evolve as the development progresses.
E. In Scrum, there is no Architect-Role therefore architecture emerges naturally:
While Scrum does not define an architect role, emergent architecture is a conscious process where the architecture evolves through deliberate decisions made by the Developers, rather than happening naturally without any structure.
Relevance to the PSD Exam
Understanding emergent architecture is crucial for the PSD exam as it highlights the importance of allowing architecture to evolve with the product. This concept aligns with the Agile principles of adaptability and responsiveness to change.
Key Takeaways
- Emergent architecture develops as a result of the Developers’ ongoing technical decisions, rather than being fully defined upfront.
- Flexibility and adaptability are central to emergent architecture, making it well-suited for dynamic and evolving project environments.
Conclusion
Emergent architecture is a strategic approach in Agile and Scrum that allows the system’s architecture to evolve as the product develops. By making architectural decisions during the development process, Scrum Teams can create flexible and adaptable systems. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.
