nw-architecture-patterns

The C4 Model is a framework for visualizing system architecture across context, containers, and components. It helps architects map integration strategies and structure enterprise-scale projects by providing hierarchical diagrams for different stakeholder needs.

Hexagonal Architecture isolates domain logic from external concerns through ports and adapters, while Domain-Driven Design (DDD) centers design on business domain models. Comparing their trade-offs helps you select the appropriate pattern for your specific system context.

You need ISO 25010 quality attributes when evaluating architecture trade-offs for system design. It defines maintainability, reliability, and performance characteristics, providing a structured framework to assess whether patterns meet enterprise-scale project requirements.

Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) document decisions by recording context, decision drivers, and outcomes. They guide pattern selection and system evolution by capturing rationale for choices across the project lifecycle, ensuring traceability.

Yes, the patterns apply to both new designs and existing system evolution. The catalog provides educational examples illustrating how to map current system context, containers, and components to evaluate and refactor architecture.

Standard architecture patterns involve trade-offs between consistency, complexity, and scalability. Limitations arise when patterns impose structure misaligned with specific domain models, requiring careful evaluation of quality attributes before implementation.