“You know what architecture really is? It is an art of drawing lines. With an interesting rule that once you have drawn a line all the dependencies

Using Diagrams to Improve Technical Communication

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2024-05-04 00:30:05

“You know what architecture really is? It is an art of drawing lines. With an interesting rule that once you have drawn a line all the dependencies that cross that line point in the same direction.” –Robert C. Martin

Picture this: you're the most experienced software engineer in a small startup, and you've just been tasked with designing a complex system that will be the backbone of your company's operations.

You're excited to dive in and start coding, but then it hits you—how will you ensure that your team understands the intricacies of the design? How will you communicate the system's architecture to stakeholders who may not have a technical background?

Diagrams are powerful tools that can convey complex information concisely. They allow you to document systems, share knowledge, and deepen your own understanding of your designs.

Many engineers often skip upfront design and jump straight into coding, especially with the adoption of agile and lean startup methodologies. While there may be limited time for extensive upfront planning, some level of design is still essential.