Architecture Types

Standalone Architecture

• Fully local; no server dependency.

• Example: Paint.NET, calculators, image editors.

• Testing Focus: File/memory analysis.

Two-Tier Architecture

• Direct client-to-database/server communication, often on the same system or internal network.

• Advantages: Simple, low latency.

• Disadvantages: Poor scalability, direct DB risks (e.g., SQL injection).

• Example: Legacy system utilities.

• Testing Focus: Client-DB interactions, local ports/IPC.

Three-Tier Architecture

• Layers: Presentation (client), Application (server logic), Data (DB).

• Advantages: Scalable, secure separation.

• Disadvantages: Latency, API vulnerabilities.

• Example: Modern banking apps.

• Testing Focus: Network traffic, API security (HTTP/S, FTP/S, TCP, UDP).

Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)

• Modular; client calls APIs/microservices.

• Example: Electron apps (Discord).

• Testing Focus: API endpoints, protocols.

Common Implementation Platforms

Platform	Technologies	Examples
.NET Framework	C#, VB.NET (WPF, WinForms)	Enterprise utilities
Native Code	C/C++, Win32 API	Games, legacy tools
Java	Swing, JavaFX, SWT	Cross-platform business apps
Python	Tkinter, PyQt (PyInstaller)	Scientific tools, scripts
Electron	JavaScript + Chromiumn	Modern apps (Discord, Slack)
Cross-Platform	Qt, GTK, Delphi	Multi-OS apps