摘要：Finding the optimal level of abstraction at which to document the architecture of a system has long been a problem in software engineering, particularly for large and complex systems. In this paper we argue that providing just a single abstraction level is inappropriate, and that instead, multiple architectural descriptions should be developed and documented, each capturing a specific aspect of a system's realization at a particular level of abstraction. Further, we argue that such a stratified architecture is especially valuable when used to organize a framework. After explaining the basic motivation for the work, and defining the basic principle of stratification, the paper illustrates the approach in conjunction with a small case study. The paper then discusses the methodological issues associated with the creation, application and maintenance of stratified frameworks.
