10.8. Cross-cutting Concepts#
Arc42 Information
Content
This section describes overall, principal regulations and solution ideas that are relevant in multiple parts (= cross-cutting) of your system. Such concepts are often related to multiple building blocks. They can include many different topics, such as
models, especially domain models
architecture or design patterns
rules for using specific technology
principal, often technical decisions of an overarching (= cross-cutting) nature
implementation rules
Motivation
Concepts form the basis for conceptual integrity (consistency, homogeneity) of the architecture. Thus, they are an important contribution to achieve inner qualities of your system.
Some of these concepts cannot be assigned to individual building blocks, e.g. security or safety.
Form
The form can be varied:
concept papers with any kind of structure
cross-cutting model excerpts or scenarios using notations of the architecture views
sample implementations, especially for technical concepts
reference to typical usage of standard frameworks (e.g. using Hibernate for object/relational mapping)
Structure
A potential (but not mandatory) structure for this section could be:
Domain concepts
User Experience concepts (UX)
Safety and security concepts
Architecture and design patterns
“Under-the-hood”
development concepts
operational concepts
Note: it might be difficult to assign individual concepts to one specific topic on this list.
See Concepts in the arc42 documentation.