The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) Practice Exam

Which of the following does NOT apply to a building block?

1. It is a package of functionality that meets business needs.

2. It has published interfaces to access functionality.

3. It may interoperate with other building blocks.

4. It has a tightly coupled specification to its implementation.

The correct answer is: It has a tightly coupled specification to its implementation.

The concept of a building block in The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) emphasizes modularity and abstraction, allowing for flexibility and adaptability within an architecture. When evaluating the characteristics of a building block, it is essential to recognize the importance of having a looser coupling and clear interfaces rather than being tightly aligned with any specific implementation. A tightly coupled specification to its implementation implies that changes in the implementation could necessitate changes in the specification itself. This contradicts the purpose of a building block, which aims to be independent and reusable across various implementations. In practice, this independence enables organizations to adapt to changing business needs, adopt new technologies, or replace components with minimal disruption to overall architecture. Key features of a building block include the ability to package functionality to meet business needs, provide published interfaces for accessing that functionality, and interoperate with other blocks, facilitating a modular architecture approach. Overall, a core tenet of TOGAF is to ensure that architecture components are designed with loose coupling to enhance adaptability and reduce dependency risks, thereby supporting a more robust architectural framework.