Addressing non-functional properties in software architectures using ADL

Architecture definition languages (ADLs) are used to specify high-level structural details of software systems. Many ADLs have emerged recently and whilst all address structural and functional elements such as components and connectors, few can be used to specify non-functional requirements such as security or performance. This paper proposes some constructs to one such ADL, WRIGHT, for specifying non-functional requirements and assurances. The proposed ADL constructs are used in an example to demonstrate their applicability. Although the constructs are informal at this stage of the research, this will enhance the user’s ability to understand the non-functional requirements and assurances of the system