Head First Software Architecture

What will you learn from this book?

If you’re a software developer looking for a quick on-ramp to software architecture, this handy guide is a great place to start. From the authors of Fundamentals of Software Architecture, Head First Software Architecture teaches you how to think architecturally and explores the unique challenges of software architecture. You’ll learn the distinction between architecture and design and the relationship between code, components, and architectural styles. You’ll also learn how to work with some common architectural styles through vivid, fun examples. Quick, easy, and entertaining, this book is a valuable introduction to the world of software architecture.

Why does this book look so different?

Based on the latest research in cognitive science and learning theory, Head First Software Architecture uses a visually rich format to engage your mind, rather than a text-heavy approach that puts you to sleep. Why waste your time struggling with new concepts? This multisensory learning experience is designed for the way your brain really works.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Software Architecture Demystified

Chapter 2: Architectural Characteristics

Chapter 3: The Two Laws of Software Architecture

Chapter 4: Logical Components

Chapter 5: Categorization and Philosophies

Chapter 6: Layered Architecture

Chapter 7: Driven by the Domain

Chapter 8: Microkernel Architecture

Chapter 9: Do It Yourself

Chapter 10: Microservices Architecture

Chapter 11: Event-Driven Architecture Chapter 12: Testing Your Knowledge

About the Author

Raju Gandhi is a software craftsman with almost 20 years of hands-on experience scoping, architecting, designing, and implementing full stack applications. A full-time consultant, published author, internationally known public speaker, and trainer, he provides a 360-degree view of the development cycle. He’s proficient in a variety of programming languages and paradigms, experienced with software development methodologies, and an expert in infrastructure and tooling. His long pursued hermeticism across the development stack by championing immutability during development (with languages like Clojure), deployment (leveraging tools like Docker and Kubernetes), and provisioning and configuration via code (using toolkits like Ansible, Terraform, Packer, and “everything as code”). In his spare time, you’ll find Raju reading, playing with technology, or spending time with his wonderful (and significantly better) other half.

Mark Richards is an experienced hands-on software architect involved in the architecture, design, and implementation of microservices architectures, service-oriented architectures, and distributed systems. He’s been in the software industry since 1983 and has significant experience and expertise in application, integration, and enterprise architecture. He’s the author of numerous O’Reilly technical books and videos, including several books on microservices, the Software Architecture Fundamentals video series, the Enterprise Messaging video series, and Java Message Service, second edition, and was a contributing author to 97 Things Every Software Architect Should Know. A speaker and trainer, he’s given talks on a variety of enterprise-related technical topics at hundreds of conferences and user groups around the world.

Neal Ford is a director, software architect, and meme wrangler at Thoughtworks, a software company and a community of passionate, purpose-led individuals who think disruptively to deliver technology to address the toughest challenges, all while seeking to revolutionize the IT industry and create positive social change. He’s an internationally recognized expert on software development and delivery, especially in the intersection of Agile engineering techniques and software architecture. Neal’s authored 9 books and counting, a number of magazine articles, and dozens of video presentations (including a video on improving technical presentations) and spoken at hundreds of developer conferences worldwide. His topics of interest include software architecture, continuous delivery, functional programming, and cutting-edge software innovations. Check out his website,