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Key Takeaways
- Residuality Theory states that randomly simulating stress produces a more resilient architecture.
- The theory is based on scientific findings from complexity research, particularly the work of Stuart Kauffman.
- Architectures are tested and improved through stressors (factors causing strain).
- The goal is an architecture that can survive unknown future requirements.
- The method requires shifting thinking from correctness to criticality.
- An architecture reaches a point of “criticality”, where it becomes robust against unknown changes.
Core Questions Addressed
- How can you develop architectures that survive unknown future requirements?
- How can you identify and use stressors to improve architecture?
- What is the scientific foundation of Residuality Theory?
- How does this approach differ from classical risk management?
- How can you tell whether you’re on the right track with this method?
- How does the theory relate to other architectural approaches like YAGNI?
Glossary of Key Terms
- Stressor: A factor that puts the architecture under stress and may cause it to break.
- Criticality: The state of an architecture in which it is robust against unknown changes.
- Residue: An architectural component that survives certain stressors.
- Attractor States: A limited number of possible states a complex system can assume.
- Stressor Analysis: A tool for systematically analyzing stressors.
- Random Boolean Networks: A mathematical model for describing complex systems.
Residuality Theory presents a novel, scientifically grounded approach to developing robust software architectures. It requires a fundamental shift in how we design architectures but promises systems that can better handle unknown future requirements.