iSQI CPSA-FL ISAQB Certified Professional for Software Architecture -Foundation Level Exam Practice Test

In template-based architecture documentation, the most important fields are:A. To describe module structures (white boxes) - This involves detailing the internal structure of modules, which is crucial for understanding how software components are implemented and how they interact internally.B. To describe individual architectural modules and their external interfaces (black boxes) - This focuses on the interfaces and interactions of modules with external components, essential for understanding system integrations and dependencies.D. To use a standardized document structure - Standardization in documentation facilitates consistency, readability, and maintainability of documents, which is critical for long-term project management and new team member onboarding.

A) FalseB) FalseC) FalseD) TrueE) TrueF) False

Postel’s law, also known as the robustness principle, is a guideline in software engineering that advises to "be conservative in what you do, be liberal in what you accept from others"1. This principle has implications for system design and interaction with external interfaces:

A) Response time of the system is reduced: This is false. Postel’s law does not directly relate to the response time of a system1.

B) Implementation effort increases: This is false. Being liberal in what is accepted can actually simplify implementation because the system is designed to handle a wider range of inputs without failure1.

C) Usability of the system is reduced: This is false. Postel’s law aims to increase robustness and interoperability, which can enhance usability by making the system more resilient and accommodating1.

D) Robustness of the system is increased: This is true. By being conservative in outputs and liberal in inputs, the system becomes more robust, handling a variety of inputs without error1.

E) The integrity of the data transferred via interfaces is increased: This is true. Accepting a wide range of inputs and adhering strictly to output specifications helps maintain data integrity across different systems1.

F) Availability of the system is reduced due to potentially bad quality of input data: This is false. Postel’s law suggests that the system should be designed to handle poor quality input data gracefully, thus maintaining availability1.

Applying Postel’s law helps create systems that are more tolerant of input variations and strict in their outputs, contributing to overall system robustness and reliability1.

For a building block, the characteristics visible only in the whitebox view are:

• Code structure of the building block (D)
• Algorithms used in the building block (E)
• Implementation details for the security requirements of the building blocks (G)

The blackbox view suffices for:

• Public interfaces of the building block (A)
• Test coverage based on unit tests for sub building blocks contained in the building block (B)
• Test coverage based on integration tests ©
• Security requirements of the building blocks (F)

In software architecture, the whitebox view reveals the internal workings of a building block, including its code structure, algorithms, and specific implementation details1. This view is essential when the internal structure and behavior of the component need to be understood or modified.

On the other hand, the blackbox view treats the building block as an opaque entity, focusing on its exposed interfaces and observable behaviors without revealing its internal structure2. This view is sufficient for understanding what the building block does from an external perspective, such as its public interfaces and how well it performs its functions as determined by testing.

Here’s a breakdown of the characteristics:

• Whitebox View:
• Blackbox View:

References:

• arc42 Documentation on Building Block View1.
• Stack Overflow discussion on the difference between black box and white box in component diagrams2.
• Flylib Section on Black-Box and White-Box Component Views3.

A) CorrectB) IncorrectC) CorrectD) CorrectE) IncorrectF) Incorrect

The concept of coupling between building blocks is crucial in software architecture, and the iSAQB® SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE – FOUNDATION LEVEL provides guidance on this topic. Here’s an analysis of the statements based on the curriculum:

A) A high degree of coupling of a building block reduces its reusability: This is correct. High coupling means that a building block is heavily dependent on other components, which can limit its ability to be reused in different contexts1.

B) Low coupling of a building block improves the ability to meet functional requirements: This statement is incorrect. While low coupling can contribute to a more maintainable and flexible architecture, it does not directly improve the ability to meet functional requirements1.

C) Low cohesion often leads to high coupling: This is correct. Cohesion refers to how closely related the responsibilities of a module are. Low cohesion can result in modules that perform a wide range of actions, which often leads to higher coupling with many other modules1.

D) Loose coupling often leads to less effort for making changes: This is correct. Loose coupling allows for easier modification of a system with minimal impact on other components, thus reducing the effort required for changes1.

E) For call dependencies, the degree of coupling is independent of the direction of the call: This statement is incorrect. The degree of coupling can be affected by the direction of the call, as it determines which module controls the interaction1.

F) In object-oriented programming languages, inheritance reduces coupling: This statement is incorrect. Inheritance can actually increase coupling because it creates a direct dependency between the superclass and the subclass1.

These insights are aligned with the principles outlined in the iSAQB® SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE – FOUNDATION LEVEL curriculum, which emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing coupling for effective software architecture design1.

To demonstrate the suitability of building blocks for implementing a use-case scenario effectively, UML (Unified Modeling Language) diagrams are instrumental. Among the options:

• B: Sequence diagram is the most suitable choice because it shows how objects interact in a particular scenario of a use case, detailing the sequence of messages exchanged between objects to accomplish the functionality described in the use case. This makes it ideal for demonstrating the dynamic behavior of the system components in the scenario.

References:

A) TrueB) TrueC) FalseD) TrueE) TrueF) True

A) Top-down and bottom-up design may be employed in the same project.

• Top-down and bottom-up are two approaches to the design of software architecture. In top-down, the high-level design is created first, focusing on general functionalities and structure. In contrast, bottom-up starts with detailed designs focusing on a component or module level.

The Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method (ATAM) helps evaluate architecture decisions with respect to quality attributes by producing several key artifacts:

• B: The concrete quality tree illustrates and organizes the quality attributes specific to the architecture being evaluated, showing how generic quality attributes are refined into measurable scenarios.
• C: Description of quality scenarios specifies and documents the scenarios under which the architecture's responses are tested against the desired quality attributes.
• G: List of the architectural risks identifies potential risks in the architecture that may threaten the system’s ability to meet its quality goals, aiding in proactive risk management.

The statements regarding the design principle ‘information hiding’ that are true and false are as follows:

• True:
• False:

The principle of ‘information hiding’ is a fundamental concept in software engineering that promotes encapsulation and abstraction. Here’s an explanation of each statement:

• True Statements:
• False Statements:

Information hiding is crucial for maintaining a clean and modular architecture, where components can be developed, maintained, and replaced independently.

References:

• Stack Overflow discussion on Abstraction vs Information Hiding vs Encapsulation1.
• Wikipedia article on Information Hiding2.
• Kansas State University textbook excerpt on Information Hiding3.
• Techopedia definition of Information Hiding4.

Iterative and incremental design methods are fundamental in software development, allowing for flexibility, better risk management, and focused delivery of functional components.

• A: Iterations involve repeated cycles of design, development, and testing, which help manage and resolve uncertainties as more knowledge is gained throughout the project lifecycle.
• B: The iterative process facilitates early detection of design and integration issues, as feedback can be incorporated promptly to refine the system progressively.
• F: Incremental design focuses on delivering functional increments of the product, ensuring that key functionalities are developed and delivered in priority order, allowing for early testing and refinement.

The correct statements about design patterns are:A. Design patterns are not invented but discovered. - Design patterns represent solutions to common design problems and are derived from repeated experiences and observations in software development rather than being invented.B. Design patterns should always be described alongside the problem they are supposed to solve. - A fundamental aspect of using design patterns is understanding the specific problem a pattern addresses, which helps in applying the pattern effectively in relevant scenarios.

A) FalseB) TrueC) TrueD) False

A) Architectural objectives and project objectives need to be identical.

• This is false. Architectural objectives are concerned with the technical goals and quality attributes of the system, while project objectives are broader and include timelines, budgets, and overall project deliverables12.

B) Most of the time, architectural objectives are of a more long-term nature than project objectives.

• This is true. Architectural objectives often focus on the sustainability and maintainability of the system, which are long-term considerations, whereas project objectives may be more immediate and focused on the project’s completion12.

C) Architectural objectives and project objectives need to be negotiated between the concerned parties.

• True. Both sets of objectives should align with the stakeholders’ needs and the project’s overall goals, and thus require negotiation to ensure that all parties’ interests are addressed3.

D) Architectural objectives are a subset of project objectives.

• This is false. Architectural objectives are not necessarily a subset but are related and should support the project objectives. They deal specifically with the architecture of the system, which is one aspect of the project

Appropriate statements about crosscutting concepts in software architecture include:A. The definition of appropriate concepts ensures the conceptual integrity of the architecture. - Consistent use of concepts across an architecture ensures that the system is cohesive and maintains integrity.B. Concepts are a means to increase consistency. - By defining and following common patterns and strategies, consistency is achieved throughout the system.D. Uniform exception handling is most easily achieved when architects agree with developers upon a suitable concept prior to implementation. - Establishing a common approach to exception handling before development starts can ensure uniformity and reduce errors.G. A concept can define constraints for the implementation of many building blocks. - Concepts often set rules or guidelines that impact how multiple components or building blocks should be implemented, helping to maintain a unified approach to solving architectural problems.

These answers are derived from established principles and patterns in the field of software architecture, focusing on best practices and common methodologies.