System design is the process of defining the architecture, components, modules, interfaces, and data for a system to satisfy specified requirements. It is an iterative process that involves a set of techniques and tools for designing and building complex software or hardware systems. The goal of system design is to create a system that is efficient, reliable, and meets the functional and non-functional requirements of the system.
System design can be applied to various domains, such as software engineering, computer networks, information systems, and hardware design. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Requirements analysis: Understanding the problem to be solved, identifying the stakeholders, and specifying the requirements for the system.
- Architectural design: Defining the overall structure of the system, including the components, modules, and interfaces.
- Detailed design: Designing the individual components and modules of the system, specifying the algorithms, data structures, and interfaces.
- Implementation: Building the system based on the design specifications, writing code, and integrating the components and modules.
- Testing and validation: Verifying that the system meets the requirements, identifying defects and errors, and validating the functionality and performance of the system.
System design is a critical part of the software development process, as it lays the foundation for the development, testing, and deployment of the system. A well-designed system is easier to maintain, extend, and modify, and is more likely to be reliable, efficient, and scalable.