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  • I agree it's more specific than "subsystem", but it sounds like an "independently deployable component" (a subsystem is a component but some systems don't have subsystems) is the most useful part of the proposed definition. The other parts of the definition, such as "functioning independently", "functional cohesion", and avoiding synchronous connascence across multiple independently deployed subsystems seem more like goals to strive for to have a good subsystem decomposition. As outlined in my question, these definitions also are murky. Commented Nov 23, 2024 at 15:37
  • "An architectural quantum would relate directly to a bounded context." I doubt that. Bounded context can straddle multiple independently deployed subsystems. Bounded contexts are about the scope within which ubiquitous language is applied. Even though, often, a single subsystem will match a single bounded context. Commented Nov 23, 2024 at 15:42
  • @StevenJeuris The phrase "independently deployable component" doesn't say anything about coupling or cohesion. Although it implies loose coupling and strong cohesion, there are workarounds that enable independently deployable components with high coupling and/or low cohesion. It does seem like the authors have put their good practices into the definition of architectural quantum, which I don't have an issue with. Commented Nov 23, 2024 at 15:59
  • @StevenJeuris As far as equating microservices to bounded contexts, that comes from the same book you are referencing. The connection comes from Chapter 7 Architectural Decisions, where microservices have bounded contexts. This doesn't mean that you can't have nested bounded contexts, but that microservices don't cross the bounds of the bounded context. Commented Nov 23, 2024 at 16:04
  • "It does seem like the authors have put their good practices into the definition of architectural quantum, which I don't have an issue with." I do, since these are much more subjective terms. Whether or not something is an architectural quantum or not becomes a matter of debate: does it "function" independently? Is it highly cohesive? Are the two subsystems decoupled enough? These are concepts with degrees. It is easy to discuss one approach as more/less functioning/cohesive/coupled than another, but this definition relies on it being a binary evaluation. Commented Nov 23, 2024 at 16:16