We have seen a rapid change in the approach of IT companies to application and software development due to increasing customer demand and the complexity of applications. Global leaders like Netflix, Amazon, and Google have all adopted microservices. As more companies adopt a microservices-driven approach, they switch from monolithic architecture.
This blog will help you make an informed choice before diving into microservices.
Why should you look closely at Monoliths?
To understand microservices, we first need to learn about the conventional approach companies have adopted for application development-monolithic architecture. Monolithic architectures are designed to perform multiple interrelated tasks. Monoliths are made up of various modules that make up an application. The modules can be divided into business or technical features. In the past, applications were built using monolithic architectures as an extensive system with a single code base. It means that all the app’s relevant functionalities are deployed simultaneously. If scaling is needed, additional nodes can be added.
All modules in a monolith are tightly coupled, and they are all built on a single stack. Monoliths are highly interdependent, and they often work together.
Monoliths can be easily understood by imagining an eCommerce SaaS app that contains tightly coupled components, such as a web server, catalog server, and ordering system. Payment gateway functions, shipping components, and payment gateway are interdependent.
In some cases, monolithic architecture may be preferred because it:
Build/develop easily
Test yourself easily
Cost-effective
On the other hand, some things may tie you to monolithic architectural design:
Limitations on the size and complexity of code
Heavily layered codes
Inter-dependency between modules
The same database for the entire application
The developer has no choice in programming languages
After each software update, it is necessary to redeploy the software
Low reliability – one bug can bring down an entire process
In the event of failure, it is difficult to identify the root cause.
Why do you think Microservices need more attention?
A microservices architecture can be described as a monolith that has been disassembled and divided into modules. Each module is then placed in a container-based service. The containers are created, maintained, and run separately. They communicate via APIs. Microservices, as opposed to monolithic architectural design, favor the independent deployment and integration of smaller components that are loosely coupled.
Microservices can be quickly developed due to their small size and scope. The developer can also use any programming language of their choice. It also means that when additional nodes are needed for scaling, the language used to develop them can differ.
Microservices can be updated and improved through CI/CD, which allows for relevant scaling. All services are independent, so it’s easy to scale horizontally.
Microservices can be understood by looking at an example, such as a platform for ticket booking. There will be several independent services, including slot selection, reservation of tickets, booking of tickets, payment gateway, etc. Predefined interfaces link them together.
Let me now tell you a few of the Whys of microservices. You will be able to:
Improved agility
Easy management
Updates are easy to teach
Each service is self-contained, so there are no long start-up or deployment times.
Increased reliability
Vertical and horizontal scaling
Flexible programming languages to choose from
Run under heavy loads
Revenue increases due to quicker iterations, and reduced downtime
I’m not here to do a paid advertisement in favor of the microservices architectural model. This also has its set of drawbacks. Let me now list some of its downsides:
Highly complex
Microservices require skilled developers who can identify them and manage their intercommunication.
Inter-service communications over a network make it less secure than monoliths.
Cross-cutting concerns include
Transactions
Distributed Tracing
Configuration Management
Shared libraries
Service Discovery
Automated Testing
Monolith or Microservices
Monolith vs. Microservices Architecture: What should you choose after studying their advantages and disadvantages?
What are your two cents?
Monolithic is the best approach to start your app development journey and build a lightweight, simple app. You can then dip your toes into the application development waters cost-effectively. As your application becomes more complex and scaling is a must, you should switch to a microservices-based approach. This can handle layered code and outperforms monoliths under heavy load.
In closing, I cannot stress enough how difficult it is to develop complex applications and select an architecture that aligns best with your company’s culture and objectives. While it would be unfair to claim that one architecture is better than another, it is essential that you know which one will best support development, deployment, and scaling, as well as troubleshooting and maintenance. Your end product.