Software Architecture for the Internet of Things

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/iot-software-architecture

Introduction

### Course Review: Software Architecture for the Internet of Things In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the Internet of Things (IoT) stands as a transformative force. As more devices connect and communicate, the importance of having a solid software architecture becomes apparent. If you're looking to master the art and science of building resilient, scalable, and interoperable IoT systems, then the "Software Architecture for the Internet of Things" course offered on Coursera is an exceptional opportunity. #### Overview This five-week course offers an in-depth exploration of IoT system architecture, emphasizing not just the mechanics of creating systems, but also the underlying principles that guide sound architectural decisions. It recognizes that technical decisions can have profound business implications, making an understanding of architecture imperative for the success of IoT projects. The curriculum is part of a Blended Master Programme in Internet of Things through Embedded Systems, enhancing its credibility and ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. #### Course Structure ##### Week 1: Getting to Know Software Architecture The journey begins with a foundational understanding of what software architecture is and why it is crucial in today’s software engineering environment. You will be introduced to the challenges that modern engineers face while learning to appreciate the strategic role of a well-thought-out architecture. ##### Week 2: Design Process and Software Requirements The second week focuses on the design process, diving into both functional and non-functional requirements. Here, you will parse out various quality attributes, business requirements, and constraints that impact the development of software systems. This module spotlights the importance of gathering accurate requirements as a cornerstone of high-quality software development. ##### Week 3: Quality Attributes Moving deeper, the third week explores quality attributes. You'll learn to articulate your own quality requirements, which are pivotal for IoT systems. Special attention is paid to two critical qualities for IoT: **interoperability** (the ability of different systems to work together) and **modifiability** (the ease of making future changes). ##### Week 4: Tactics In week four, you will delve into architectural tactics, understanding how to leverage them to meet predefined requirements. This week distinguishes between tactics and patterns, providing you with real-world examples of how they can be practically applied to achieve interoperability and modifiability in IoT systems. ##### Week 5: Patterns Finally, the course culminates with an exploration of architectural patterns. You will learn how these patterns complement tactics in creating effective software architectures and how to synthesize both concepts through a comprehensive case study of DYAMAND's requirements and architecture. #### Why You Should Enroll 1. **Practical Knowledge**: Unlike many courses that only scratch the surface, this course digs deep into the “why” behind software architecture decisions, equipping you with insights that can lead to better business outcomes. 2. **Expert Instruction**: Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in the field, you’ll glean insights that will be invaluable as you work on IoT projects. 3. **Comprehensive Curriculum**: The structured five-week plan ensures that you build upon your knowledge week by week, leading to a thorough understanding of both fundamental and advanced concepts in software architecture. 4. **Real-World Application**: Through case studies and practical examples, you'll gain the ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations, an essential skill in any tech career. 5. **Flexible Learning**: Being an online course, you have the flexibility to learn at your own pace, ensuring that you can balance your studies with other commitments. #### Conclusion The "Software Architecture for the Internet of Things" course on Coursera is a must for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of IoT system architecture. With its balanced approach to theory and practical application, it prepares you for the nuanced challenges that come with designing IoT systems. By the end of the course, you'll not only be equipped with actionable skills but also a solid foundation on which to build your future IoT projects. If you aspire to not only be a participant in the IoT revolution but also to lead and innovate within it, enrolling in this course will be a step in the right direction!

Syllabus

Getting to know Software Architecture

This module will introduce you to the world of software architecture. We'll define what SA actually is, why it is important and talk about some of the challenges faced in modern Software Engineering. This course is also part of a Blended Master Programme in Internet of Things through Embedded Systems.

Creating good software starts with a solid understanding of the requirements that will have an influence on the software. In this module, we will discuss both functional and non-functional requirements, such as quality attributes, business requirements and constraints.

Up till now, we have been talking about quality in an informal way. However, if you want to build systems that support the required qualities you will need a way to express those quality attributes and understand how you can achieve them. After this module you should be able to formulate your own quality requirements. We will also study 2 qualities that are especially relevant for Internet of Things: interoperability and modifiability.

In the fourth week, we will explain how architectural tactics can help you create a software architecture that achieves the predefined requirements. This is what needs to be done in step three of the ADD - remember? We'll start of by learning about the difference between tactics and patterns. We will give some examples of tactics to achieve interoperability and modifiability. We will discuss the MVC pattern and its relation to the modifiability tactics. Lastly, we'll discuss how MVC is being used in Android.

In this last week, we will explain how architectural patterns can help you create a software architecture that achieves the predefined requirements. Patterns are closely related to tactics, as we saw last week. First, we'll look at different types of patterns. Then, we'll learn how to combine tactics and patterns. We'll conclude this last week with a case study: DYAMAND's requirements and their architecture.