Fundamentals of Software Architecture

An Engineering Approach

De: Mark Richards, Neal Ford

Narrado por: Benjamin Lange

Salary surveys worldwide regularly place software architect in the top 10 best jobs, yet no real guide exists to help developers become architects. Until now. This book provides the first comprehensive overview of software architecture’s many aspects. Aspiring and existing architects alike will examine architectural characteristics, architectural patterns, component determination, diagramming and presenting architecture, evolutionary architecture, and many other topics.

Mark Richards and Neal Ford—hands-on practitioners who have taught software architecture classes professionally for years—focus on architecture principles that apply across all technology stacks. You’ll explore software architecture in a modern light, taking into account all the innovations of the past decade.

This book examines:

• Architecture patterns: the technical basis for many architectural decisions
• Components: identification, coupling, cohesion, partitioning, and granularity
• Soft skills: effective team management, meetings, negotiation, presentations, and more
• Modernity: engineering practices and operational approaches that have changed radically in the past few years
• Architecture as an engineering discipline: repeatable results, metrics, and concrete valuations that add rigor to software architecture

©2020 Mark Richards and Neal Ford (P)2021 Upfront Books

the narration is a masterpiece

We all know how awesome Neal and Mark are, but I want to emphasize the amazing job of Benjamin Lange of paraphrasing the pictures to make them suitable for an audio book, something that only him and Theodore O'Brian do as opposed to most narrators who just read what is written without caring if it makes sense to the listener: "Figure x shows an example of that. " :)

Packed with information!

I'm an experienced software developer, but software architecture is one of my weakest areas, so I was hoping that this audiobook would provide valuable information on that subject. The book surpassed my expectations and has peaked my interest, so I've already purchased a digital version (through Humble Bundle) along with other books on that topic so that I may continue learning. This is one of the rare times where, while listening, I've truly appreciated the quality of the narration. This book is packed with great information; I highly recommend it to those who, like me, wish to learn more about software architecture.

Excellent foundational book

Excellent foundational architecture book. Goes through many different architectures and gives you the tools for weighing the pros and cons. They also do a good job of modifying the book to be consumable in audio format.

My only complaint is that it doesn't go through enough scenarios (katas) and instead spends time talking about things such as: how to create an effective powerpoint presentation and checklists where a lot of what was listed can be handled with CI. The beginning is also very academic and not super helpful. I'm not still clear on the nuanced difference between Connascence and Coupling and I'm not sure that it matters.

The meat of the book is in the middle and the meat is very good.

Clear narrator

I liked the affirmation that I was to understand the book without the need for diagrams, even though the physical book has them. Maybe I would have but I would do stuff while listening. Will re-listen and adjust my rating if it delivers a little more on that. Of course I understand I won't get the same comprehension as sitting down and reading the book.

Loved it

Not relevant to my current position but as a person who spend 5 years in IT I found it very interesting.

Paying it forward

Thank you for this book that helps in the different technical, soft skills and leadership tips. It is essentially a pay it forward book that I will recommend to my teams.

A good book to start in Software Architecture

I started this audiobook to try to learn technical stuff from audiobooks. At first it was a bit difficult because I didn't know several of the key concepts. After I understood the vocabulary presented in the book, listening became easier. I think it is an excellent book to start learning Software Architecture and I definitely saved many hours listening to the book instead of reading it.

A surprisingly good listen

I was not expecting a software book to turnout to be a really good audiobook, but considering that software architecture is more about concepts than specifics, this worked really well. I do wish they shared a PDF of some portions of the book, though, as I'll have to go back and take notes for some sections.

Good book, required replaying for comprehension

I hadn’t consumed a technical book in this format before: it took some getting used to. The content was very well organized

Clear Narration, Valuable Insights

Narration:
The narration of "Fundamentals of Software Architecture" is excellent. The narrator’s voice is clear, engaging, and well-paced, making it easy to follow even the more complex topics. Their tone strikes a perfect balance between professional and approachable, which is crucial for a technical audiobook. The pronunciation of technical terms is accurate, and the delivery maintains your attention throughout. Whether you're listening during a commute or while relaxing at home, the narration ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Content
This audiobook is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone interested in software architecture. It covers a wide range of topics, from foundational concepts to advanced architectural patterns, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals. The content is well-structured, with clear explanations and practical examples that help solidify understanding. The authors do an excellent job of breaking down complex ideas into digestible pieces, ensuring that listeners can grasp the material without feeling overwhelmed.

One standout feature is the inclusion of a properly named section to orient yourself well. This section is incredibly helpful for navigating the audiobook, especially if you want to revisit specific topics or concepts. It’s a thoughtful addition that enhances the overall usability of the audiobook format.

Value for Money
Given the depth and quality of the content, coupled with the superb narration, this audiobook is worth every penny. It’s an investment in your professional development that pays off in spades. Whether you're a software developer looking to transition into architecture or an experienced architect seeking to refine your skills, this audiobook delivers immense value.

Final Thoughts
Fundamentals of Software Architecture is a must-listen for anyone in the software industry. The combination of valuable content, excellent narration, and thoughtful organization makes it a standout choice. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, this audiobook will undoubtedly enhance your understanding of software architecture. Highly recommended!