Layers Architectural Pattern

Definitions

Definition 1

An architectural pattern that consist in decomposing a complex system in horizontal layers corresponding to distinct levels of abstraction that are orthogonal to the system vertical functional subdivisions. From the base to the top, horizontal layers delegate tasks to and combine the services provided by their subjacent layer in a meaningful way and expose the resulting services to their superjacent layer.

This architectural patterns provides the following benefits:

• Increased stability by confining changes to components and their interfaces,

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• Substitutability of components or layers,

• Reusability of components or

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• layers,

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• Readability by making it easier to learn and understand the overall system.

Examples

The OSI Network Model is one well-known implementation of the Layers Architectural Model.

Related Terms

• Architecture

• Architectural Pattern

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