Software Design

Definitions

1. The process of defining the internal structure of software components — class hierarchies, module interfaces, data models, and algorithms — to satisfy functional requirements while remaining maintainable and extensible. Distinct from architecture, which addresses system-level decomposition, software design operates at the module and class level.

   In plain English: Planning how the individual parts inside a program are organized and connected so the code is clean, correct, and easy to change.

   Example: "The design uses a Strategy pattern for payment processors so we can add Stripe or PayPal without modifying the checkout flow."

Related Terms

• Mediator Pattern
• Null Object Pattern
• Prototype Pattern
• Proxy Pattern
• Software Architecture
• State Pattern
• Structural Pattern
• Template Method Pattern
• Utility Class
• Chain Pattern
• Composite