Which of the following non-functional quality attributes is not highly…
2015
Which of the following non-functional quality attributes is not highly affected by the architecture of the software?
- A.
Performance
- B.
Reliablity
- C.
Usability
- D.
Portability
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Correct answer: C
Answer: Usability — Usability is the non-functional attribute least directly affected by software architecture.
Performance: Architecture strongly influences throughput and latency through choices about distribution, concurrency, caching, data partitioning, and communication patterns.
Reliability: Architecture provides the mechanisms for fault isolation, redundancy, replication, failover, and monitoring that determine system reliability.
Portability: Architectural decisions such as modularization, abstraction layers, and dependency management determine how easily software can be moved between platforms.
Usability: Primarily driven by user interface and interaction design, user research, and front-end implementation. Architecture can impose constraints (for example, on responsiveness) but does not directly determine the quality of user interactions.
Practical guidance: When deciding which non-functional attributes are architecture-sensitive, ask whether achieving the attribute requires system-level organization (architecture) or primarily front-end design and implementation.
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