Strukturprüfung

Strukturprüfung, also known as structural review, refers to the systematic examination of a system’s architecture, design, or code structure to verify that it meets predefined standards, requirements, and best practices. In engineering disciplines, such as civil or mechanical engineering, it involves inspecting the layout of structural elements, load paths, and material specifications to ensure safety, performance, and compliance with building codes. In software development, a Strukturprüfung typically focuses on the code’s adherence to architectural patterns, modularity, cohesion, coupling, and documentation, often conducted by peers or automated tooling.

The primary objectives of a Strukturprüfung are to identify design flaws early, reduce development costs, and enhance maintainability. It is usually performed at milestones—after the requirements phase, before implementation, and before final delivery. Reviewers compare the design or code against established checklists, standards (e.g., ISO, IEC), and organizational guidelines. Feedback is documented in a review report, and corrective actions are tracked to closure.

Common techniques include walkthroughs, formal inspections, and static analysis. Walkthroughs involve the author presenting the structure to reviewers who ask questions and raise concerns. Formal inspections are more rigorous, with structured planning, role assignment, and audit trails. Static analysis tools can automatically flag issues such as unused code, violation of naming conventions, or potential security vulnerabilities, supplementing human judgment.

Strukturprüfung is considered a best practice in mature development processes, such as those described in CMMI, ISO/IEC 12207, or the Capability Maturity Model. Organizations that adopt early and iterative structure reviews tend to experience improved product quality, reduced defect density, and faster time to market.