Task 1: Defining Software Architecture (Lecture 1) Question: In your own words, provide a detailed definition of software architecture. Explain the importance of early architectural decisions and describe how these decisions influence system design and implementation. Deliverable: Write a one-page report covering the definition , significance, and impact of early architectural decisions , using an example system of your choice.

Software architecture refers to the high-level structure of a software system and the discipline of creating such structures and systems. It provides an organized framework for a set of structures, which communicates the system's behavior, components, and properties to stakeholders.<br /><br />The importance of early architectural decisions lies in their ability to shape the overall direction of the system. These decisions determine the system's scalability, maintainability, and performance, and influence the design and implementation of the system. For example, in a web application, early architectural decisions might include the choice of programming language, the use of a specific framework, and the decision to implement a distributed database. These decisions will have a significant impact on the system's development, including its performance, scalability, and maintainability.<br /><br />In conclusion, software architecture is a crucial aspect of software development that shapes the overall structure and behavior of a system. Early architectural decisions are vital as they influence the system's design and implementation, and ultimately its success.