Interleaving human and search-based software architecture design

Abstract

An approach for semi-automated design of software architecture is proposed. The approach makes use of a search-based architecture synthesis technique exploiting genetic algorithms. An interactive process of software architecture design is proposed, where the automatic search-based generation of architectural fragments interleaves with the decisions of a human architect. To support such a process, tool mechanisms are proposed and implemented. The approach is studied using a sample system, whose architecture is designed following the interactive process model.