Pipes and Filters vs Blackboard Architecture

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the controller in the blackboard architectural style?

To generate new data objects

To interact exclusively with multiple knowledge sources

To manage global data storage

To monitor the blackboard and moderate knowledge sources (correct)

Which component in the blackboard system is primarily responsible for holding global data?

Controller

Data Tier

Blackboard (correct)

Knowledge Sources

How do the knowledge sources operate within the blackboard architecture?

They exclusively read data from the blackboard.

They have specialized representations for different problems. (correct)

They all share the same problem representation.

They require continuous input from the controller.

In N-Tier Architecture, which tier is responsible for data management?

Data Tier Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the Pipes and Filters design pattern?

Data flows through channels created by filters. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does using N-Tier Architecture provide?

Separation of concerns through distinct layers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the blackboard architecture?

User Interface Signup and view all the answers

In Unix/Linux, how are data processed using the Pipes and Filters pattern?

Data flows directly from one command to another without intermediate storage. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the blackboard play in managing knowledge sources?

It facilitates communication and data updates between knowledge sources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge when implementing the Pipes and Filters design pattern?

Ensuring that data transforms appropriately between filters. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pipes and Filters Architecture

Data flows in one direction from source to target via filters, ensuring a clear processing order.
Filters can consume data from or produce data to multiple ports, allowing for concurrent processing.
The output of one filter becomes the input for another; hence, the order of filters is critical.
An example showcases processing data streams by breaking down tasks into separate filters within the system.
Commonly used in Unix/Linux, pipes allow for the connection of multiple commands to process data sequentially.
Command examples for filtering data include:
- cat sample: Displays contents of the file.
- grep -v a: Outputs items excluding the lowercase 'a'.
- sort -r: Sorts the output in reverse order.

Blackboard Architecture

Utilized for problems lacking deterministic solutions, connecting various subsystems sharing data.
Composed of three main elements: Blackboard (data repository), Controller (process moderator), Knowledge Sources (specialized data processors).
The blackboard maintains a central repository accessible to all components, allowing collaborative data use and updates.
The controller oversees interactions between knowledge sources and the blackboard, coordinating data flow.
Knowledge sources produce and update data on the blackboard, contributing unique representations of problems.

n-Tier Architecture

Characterized by multiple layers, typically including Presentation, Business, and Data tiers.
Client-server interactions do not occur directly with the database; instead, communication is facilitated through multiple servers.
The Presentation Tier serves as the user interface layer.
The Business Tier processes the application logic independent of direct database interactions.
The Data Tier houses the database server, responsible for data management and transaction processing, using stored procedures for business logic integration.

Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of Pipes and Filters Architecture alongside Blackboard Architecture in data processing systems. It delves into the mechanics of data flow, the importance of filter sequencing, and the role of blackboards in non-deterministic problem-solving. Test your knowledge of these two integral architectures and their use in programming environments like Unix/Linux.