Software Design Documents
- Technical Architecture Design Document (TADD)
- Solution High-Level Design Document (HLD)
- Solution Low-Level Design Document (LLD)
- Functional Design Document (FDD)
- Business Requirement Document (BRD)
- Software Requirements Specification (SRS)
1. Technical Architecture Design Document (TADD):
- Purpose: The TADD outlines the high-level technical architecture for a system or solution. It provides a blueprint for how different components will interact, including hardware, software, networks, and databases.
- Contents:
- System Components: Describes the major building blocks of the system.
- Interfaces: Specifies how different components communicate.
- Security Considerations: Addresses security measures.
- Scalability and Performance: Discusses system scalability and performance requirements.
- Deployment Diagrams: Illustrates the deployment of components.
- Audience: Typically read by technical architects, developers, and infrastructure teams.
- Example: Imagine it as the architectural blueprint for constructing a house.
2. Solution High-Level Design (HLD) Document:
- Purpose: The HLD provides a big-picture view of the system. It outlines the functional aspects of various modules and their interactions.
- Contents:
- Module Descriptions: Explains the purpose and functionality of each module.
- Data Flow Diagrams: Illustrates data flow between modules.
- High-Level Logic: Describes the overall system logic.
- Integration Points: Identifies interfaces with external systems.
- Audience: Project managers, architects, and stakeholders.
- Analogy: Think of it as an architectural sketch before detailed construction plans.
3. Solution Low-Level Design (LLD) Document:
- Purpose: The LLD dives deeper into technical details. It provides instructions for developers on how to implement each module.
- Contents:
- Detailed Logic: Describes algorithms, data structures, and coding guidelines.
- Database Schema: Specifies database tables, relationships, and queries.
- Class Diagrams: Represents class hierarchies and relationships.
- Code Snippets: Provides code examples.
- Audience: Developers and testers.
- Analogy: Similar to detailed construction blueprints for individual rooms in a house.
4. Functional Design Document (FDD):
- Purpose: The FDD focuses on the functional requirements of the system. It translates business requirements into system features.
- Contents:
- Use Cases: Describes user interactions and system behavior.
- User Interfaces: Illustrates screens, forms, and navigation.
- Business Rules: Specifies rules governing system behavior.
- Data Flow: Shows how data moves through the system.
- Audience: Business analysts, designers, and developers.
- Comparison: Like designing the layout and features of rooms in a house.
5. Business Requirement Document (BRD):
- Purpose: The BRD captures high-level business needs and objectives. It serves as a foundation for subsequent design and development.
- Contents:
- Business Goals: States the purpose of the project.
- Scope: Defines what's in and out of scope.
- Stakeholder Requirements: Gathers input from various stakeholders.
- Constraints and Assumptions: Lists limitations and assumptions.
- Audience: Business stakeholders, project managers, and sponsors.
- Analogy: Similar to the initial client brief for building a house.
6. A Software Requirements Specification (SRS)
is a comprehensive document that outlines the requirements for developing a software system. Let's break down its key aspects:
Purpose of the Document: SRS serves as a blueprint for the software development process.
- It describes what the software will do and how it is expected to perform.
- Both functional and non-functional requirements are captured in this document.
Contents of an SRS:
- Introduction:
- Explains the purpose of the document and its significance.
- Describes the scope, development cost, and time required.
- General Description:
- Outlines the product's functions, user objectives, features, and benefits.
- Highlights the importance of the product and its relevance to user communities.
- Functional Requirements:
- Specifies the expected behavior of the system.
- Ranks functional requirements, including calculations and data processing.
- Describes the relationship between input and output.
- Interface Requirements:
- Details how the software communicates with other programs or users.
- Covers languages, codes, messages, and interactions.
- Performance Requirements:
- Addresses system performance expectations, such as response time and throughput.
- Design Constraints:
- Lists any limitations or constraints affecting the software design.
- Non-Functional Attributes:
- Includes quality attributes like reliability, usability, and security.
- Preliminary Schedule and Budget:
- Provides an overview of the development timeline and estimated costs.
- Appendices:
- Contains additional relevant information.
- Uses of SRS Document:
- Ensures alignment among development teams.
- Acts as a single source of truth for all stakeholders.
- Facilitates decision-making throughout the product lifecycle.
Why Use an SRS Document?:
- Provides a complete project picture.
- Keeps all teams on the same page.
- Helps meet each requirement and make informed decisions.
- Ultimately contributes to successful software development.
In addition to the documents we discussed earlier, there are several other essential documents in the software development process. Let's explore them:
1. Installation Guide:
- Provides step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring the software.
- Helps users set up the system correctly.
2. Code of Conduct:
- Defines guidelines for behavior within the development team.
- Promotes a positive and respectful work environment.
3. API Documentation (Postman Collection):
- Describes how to use APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).
- Includes details on endpoints, request methods, and response formats.
4. Knowledge Base Documentation:
- Contains articles, FAQs, and troubleshooting guides.
- Helps users find solutions to common issues.
5. Troubleshooting Documentation:
- Provides guidance on identifying and resolving software problems.
- Helps support teams assist users effectively.
6. Release Notes:
- Summarizes changes, enhancements, and bug fixes in each software release.
- Keeps users informed about new features.
7. Software Architecture Diagram:
- Illustrates the system's high-level structure and components.
- Helps developers understand the overall design.
8. Recommended Technical Articles:
- Curated resources for developers.
- Includes best practices, design patterns, and optimization techniques.
9. Most Used Database Queries:
- Lists common SQL queries for database interactions.
- Useful for developers and database administrators.
Remember, thorough documentation ensures smooth collaboration, efficient development, and successful software deployment!
