Monolithic architecture gives the benefit of fast development because of application based on one code base. Or you can say entire application is built on a single unified unit.
In this model, all components (such as user interface, business logic, and data access) are tightly coupled and run as a single service or executable. It’s commonly used in applications where the entire codebase is deployed and scaled together as a whole.
Components in Monolithic Architecture
Let’s simplify this using real life example.
It’s like a giant building where everything you need (kitchen, living room, bedroom) is all in one big space. You don’t have separate rooms or floors for different activities; everything is combined into one big area.
Pros of Monolithic Architecture
Easy debugging: With all code located in one place, it’s easier to follow a request and find an issue.
Deployment: All three components (frontend, backend & database) of web application are deployed together.
Shared resources: This architecture share resources as it is entangled and combined in single code base.
Cons of Monolithic Architecture
Hard to scale: Scaling the whole application to meet higher demand can be inefficient because you can’t scale individual parts of the app separately. Whenever a single module is updated, the whole system needs to be updated to reflect changes to the user. And often requires duplicating the entire application, which can lead to inefficiencies and higher costs in custom software development approach.
Bug Fixing: Every module is combined in single system, if there is an error or bug in single module, it can destroy the entire system.
Deployment: A small change to a monolithic application requires the re-deployment of the entire application.
Slower Development: As the system grows, maintaining and scaling the application can become challenging, leading to slower development cycles. This can limit the flexibility that clients often seek in bespoke software development.
To overcome disadvantages of monolithic architecture, here comes microservices architecture in the frame.
What is Microservices Architecture?
Microservices is an architecture style where an application is built as a collection of small, independent services. Custom software development companies often use microservices architecture to build scalable and maintainable systems.
Company can break the application into smaller, independent services, each handling a specific function. And each service can be individually deployed, updated, independent code base and repository too. And these services communicate with each other via APIs.
Components in Microservices Architecture
Pros of Microservices Architecture
Independent services: Each microservice is a separate, standalone component that can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently of the others.
Single responsibility: Each service focuses on doing one thing well, such as handling payments or managing user profiles.
Scalability: You can scale individual services based on demand without affecting other services.
Different technologies: Microservices allow developers to use different programming languages, databases, and tools for different services, depending on what fits or what’s best.
Cons of Microservices Architecture
Development: Complex to develop services are independent, you must deal with extra things like managing communication between services, data sharing, and versioning APIs.
Costly: Running multiple microservices often requires more infrastructure resources, like servers, databases, and network management. Since each service may need to be deployed separately, costs can go up.
Team coordination: Development and DevOps teams need to work closely to ensure the services function well together, which can require more specialized skills and resources.
When Netflix started as a DVD rental service, it had a simpler system that was easier to manage as a monolithic architecture. Everything, from user interfaces to backend services, was tightly coupled and ran as a single application. But later transitioned to a microservices architecture as it grew.
Conclusion
Comparison between Monolithic and Microservices Architecture
Monolithic is ideal for smaller projects with lower complexity.
Microservices is better suited for larger, evolving applications that need flexibility, scalability, and independent development. However, it comes with operational overhead and requires more advanced development and DevOps practices.
