Final answer:
Software architecture changes are categorized as incremental or disruptive, planned or unplanned, and functional or non-functional. The design architecture phase is essential for assigning functions to the physical components of a design. CAD tools significantly aid in creating detailed designs including 3-dimensional models and prototypes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Software Architecture Categories
When dealing with software architecture, it's important for software engineers to be able to classify potential changes that may occur. This classification helps in managing the development process efficiently and ensuring that the end product meets the required standards and functionality. One way to categorize changes is by determining whether they are incremental or disruptive. An incremental change involves modifying or enhancing an existing product or process, whereas a disruptive change might involve a completely new design requiring a significant departure from current designs or systems.
Changes can also be considered as planned or unplanned, indicating the degree of foresight and preparation involved. Furthermore, changing features can be sorted into functional or non-functional types, which pertains to the specific operations of the software or to the underlying characteristics that support those functions, respectively. Additionally, changes can be grouped as either essential or accidental, differentiating between those that are fundamental to the product's purpose and those that may stem from other factors such as technology limitations.
The design architecture, which is a crucial phase in developing a design from a concept to a detailed plan, involves the assignment of functional elements to physical components. Engineers and architects use various tools such as computer-aided software (CAD) to aid in the development of detailed designs, which include 3-dimensional models and prototypes, allowing for realistic representations, speed, accuracy, and affordability.