- Author
- Martin Fowler (Thoughtworks)
- Published
- 1 Aug 2019
- Kind
- Curated guide page, with short essays and links to articles
- Original
- martinfowler.com/architecture/
- Subject
- Software design
What it is
Martin Fowler writes on a personal site and works at Thoughtworks. The page outlines the author's view of architecture. It then points to articles, patterns and guides on the site.
What it says
- Fowler quotes Ralph Johnson: architecture is about the important stuff, whatever that is.
- Fowler says good architecture supports its own evolution and is tied to programming.
- The guide says high internal quality speeds delivery, which developers reckon pays off in weeks.
- The guide describes an application as a social construction, not a fixed technical unit.
- On enterprise architecture, Fowler prefers decentralization but warns against no coordination.
- The page lists many linked pieces, some by others, such as Products Over Projects.
What evidence it gives
The page offers argument and experience. It cites an email exchange with Ralph Johnson and a 2015 talk. It admits the speed claim cannot be objectively measured. Linked articles were not followed for this page.
Interests and limits
Fowler works at Thoughtworks, and one listed piece is by a Thoughtworks colleague. The page is a guide, so each linked article holds the full argument. The speed claim rests on developer opinion, not measurement. The page is dated 2019, but the list shows items up to 2024.