Pass the iSQI CPSA-F CPSA-FL Questions and answers with CertsForce

A) IncorrectB) CorrectC) IncorrectD) IncorrectE) Incorrect

In the context of building a tool chain for continuous architecture evaluation and analysis, the following statements can be assessed:

A) Tools for static code analysis do not find all dependencies in the source code. They can find many, but not necessarily all, especially if dynamic programming techniques are used1.

B) Several tools for static code analysis can be used to verify compliance with architectural rules. This is one of the primary uses of static code analysis tools1.

C) Tools for static code analysis cannot reliably measure cohesion because cohesion is a qualitative aspect of modules that depends on the context and design intent, which static analysis alone cannot fully capture1.

D) Tools for static code analysis are not typically used to optimize runtime efficiency. They are more focused on code quality, security, and compliance with coding standards1.

E) Tools for dynamic analysis, such as profilers, can be used to optimize static structures. They provide runtime information that can inform decisions about the static structure of the code1.

These assessments are based on the iSAQB® SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE – FOUNDATION LEVEL documents, which provide guidelines on the selection and use of tools for software architecture evaluation and analysis1.

A) TrueB) TrueC) TrueD) TrueE) TrueF) TrueG) True

When choosing a software-architecture modeling tool, several factors can play a role:

A) Multi-user capability is important for collaborative environments where multiple architects work on the same model simultaneously1.

B) Support of UML 2.x and SysML ensures that the tool can handle widely-used modeling languages for software and systems engineering1.

C) Document generation is a key feature that allows for the automatic creation of documentation from the model1.

D) Support of model transformations in preparation of the code generation indicates the tool’s ability to convert models into other forms or even into executable code1.

E) Support of code generation can significantly speed up the development process by generating code from the models1.

F) Compliance with standards ensures that the tool adheres to industry standards, which can be crucial for interoperability and future-proofing1.

G) Purchase and licensing costs are practical considerations that affect the total cost of ownership of the tool1.

These criteria are aligned with the iSAQB® SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE – FOUNDATION LEVEL documents, which emphasize the importance of these factors in the selection of a software-architecture modeling tool1.

Considering that the requirements are still being determined, designing components with specific attributes can ensure adaptability and maintainability of the architecture.

B: Weak coupling makes individual components less dependent on each other, enhancing the flexibility and scalability of the system.

C: Strong cohesion ensures that components are designed with a clear purpose and functionality, improving the system's integrity and ease of maintenance.

D: Making components open for extension but closed for modification supports the adaptability of the system to changing requirements without disrupting existing functionality.

In the context of software architecture, certain elements serve as building blocks to structure and organize software systems effectively.

A: An algorithm is a sequence of steps designed to perform a specific task and can be a critical part of system logic and functionality.

B: A component is a modular part of a system that encapsulates its contents and whose deployment and versioning can be managed independently.

D: A class in object-oriented programming encapsulates data for the object and operations that manipulate that data, serving as a blueprint within the architecture.

H: A package helps organize classes and interfaces that are related functionally, promoting a cleaner and more manageable architecture structure.

The principles that apply to testing include:A. In general, exhaustive testing is not possible. - It is widely recognized in software testing that it is not feasible to test every possible input or state of a software application due to the vast number of variations and combinations, especially in complex systems.B. Where many errors exist, more errors are usually hidden. - This principle, often referred to as the pesticide paradox in software testing, suggests that discovering numerous bugs in a specific area of the software often indicates the presence of additional, less obvious bugs.

A) Not AppropriateB) AppropriateC) Not Appropriate

For a project involving multiple architects and developers, achieving consistent and adequate documentation is crucial. Here’s how the methods listed would fare:

A) The chief architect creates the documentation: This method is not appropriate because it places the entire burden of documentation on a single individual, which can lead to bottlenecks and may not accurately reflect the contributions and insights of the entire team1.

B) Identical templates are used for the documentation: This is an appropriate method as it ensures consistency across the documentation produced by different team members. Using identical templates helps maintain a uniform structure and style, which is beneficial for readability and maintenance1.

C) All parts of the architecture documentation are automatically extracted from the source code: Relying solely on automatic extraction is not appropriate because it may not capture all the necessary details and decisions made during the architectural design process. Manual documentation is also important to provide context and rationale that cannot be automatically generated1.

These methods are in line with the iSAQB® SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE – FOUNDATION LEVEL, which emphasizes the importance of clear, consistent, and comprehensive documentation practices1.

For a building block, the characteristics visible only in the whitebox view are:

Code structure of the building block (D)

Algorithms used in the building block (E)

Implementation details for the security requirements of the building blocks (G)

The blackbox view suffices for:

Public interfaces of the building block (A)

Test coverage based on unit tests for sub building blocks contained in the building block (B)

Test coverage based on integration tests ©

Security requirements of the building blocks (F)

In software architecture, the whitebox view reveals the internal workings of a building block, including its code structure, algorithms, and specific implementation details1. This view is essential when the internal structure and behavior of the component need to be understood or modified.

On the other hand, the blackbox view treats the building block as an opaque entity, focusing on its exposed interfaces and observable behaviors without revealing its internal structure2. This view is sufficient for understanding what the building block does from an external perspective, such as its public interfaces and how well it performs its functions as determined by testing.

Here’s a breakdown of the characteristics:

Whitebox View:

Code Structure (D): This includes the organization of code within the building block, such as classes, interfaces, and other components.

Algorithms (E): The specific algorithms used within the building block to perform its functions.

Implementation Details for Security (G): The actual code and strategies used to fulfill the security requirements.

Blackbox View:

Public Interfaces (A): The interfaces that are exposed to other building blocks or systems.

Test Coverage for Sub Building Blocks (B): The extent to which the unit tests cover the sub-components within the building block.

Test Coverage for Integration Tests ©: The coverage of tests that verify the interactions between building blocks.

Security Requirements (F): The security objectives and criteria that the building block must meet.

References:

arc42 Documentation on Building Block View1.

Stack Overflow discussion on the difference between black box and white box in component diagrams2.

Flylib Section on Black-Box and White-Box Component Views3.

A) CorrectB) IncorrectC) CorrectD) CorrectE) IncorrectF) Incorrect

The concept of coupling between building blocks is crucial in software architecture, and the iSAQB® SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE – FOUNDATION LEVEL provides guidance on this topic. Here’s an analysis of the statements based on the curriculum:

A) A high degree of coupling of a building block reduces its reusability: This is correct. High coupling means that a building block is heavily dependent on other components, which can limit its ability to be reused in different contexts1.

B) Low coupling of a building block improves the ability to meet functional requirements: This statement is incorrect. While low coupling can contribute to a more maintainable and flexible architecture, it does not directly improve the ability to meet functional requirements1.

C) Low cohesion often leads to high coupling: This is correct. Cohesion refers to how closely related the responsibilities of a module are. Low cohesion can result in modules that perform a wide range of actions, which often leads to higher coupling with many other modules1.

D) Loose coupling often leads to less effort for making changes: This is correct. Loose coupling allows for easier modification of a system with minimal impact on other components, thus reducing the effort required for changes1.

E) For call dependencies, the degree of coupling is independent of the direction of the call: This statement is incorrect. The degree of coupling can be affected by the direction of the call, as it determines which module controls the interaction1.

F) In object-oriented programming languages, inheritance reduces coupling: This statement is incorrect. Inheritance can actually increase coupling because it creates a direct dependency between the superclass and the subclass1.

These insights are aligned with the principles outlined in the iSAQB® SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE – FOUNDATION LEVEL curriculum, which emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing coupling for effective software architecture design1.

A) FalseB) FalseC) FalseD) TrueE) TrueF) False

Postel’s law, also known as the robustness principle, is a guideline in software engineering that advises to "be conservative in what you do, be liberal in what you accept from others"1. This principle has implications for system design and interaction with external interfaces:

A) Response time of the system is reduced: This is false. Postel’s law does not directly relate to the response time of a system1.

B) Implementation effort increases: This is false. Being liberal in what is accepted can actually simplify implementation because the system is designed to handle a wider range of inputs without failure1.

C) Usability of the system is reduced: This is false. Postel’s law aims to increase robustness and interoperability, which can enhance usability by making the system more resilient and accommodating1.

D) Robustness of the system is increased: This is true. By being conservative in outputs and liberal in inputs, the system becomes more robust, handling a variety of inputs without error1.

E) The integrity of the data transferred via interfaces is increased: This is true. Accepting a wide range of inputs and adhering strictly to output specifications helps maintain data integrity across different systems1.

F) Availability of the system is reduced due to potentially bad quality of input data: This is false. Postel’s law suggests that the system should be designed to handle poor quality input data gracefully, thus maintaining availability1.

Applying Postel’s law helps create systems that are more tolerant of input variations and strict in their outputs, contributing to overall system robustness and reliability1.

The most accurate statements about quality characteristics are:B. Increased flexibility improves robustness - Flexibility in design allows the system to handle and recover from errors and unexpected inputs more robustly.C. Simplicity increases comprehensibility - A simpler design is easier to understand, maintain, and less prone to errors, directly impacting the comprehensibility of the software.