Microservices or Monolith Architecture – Which Is Best?
Microservices have been growing faster than we can ever imagine nowadays. The gigantic companies like Google, Yahoo, Netflix, Viu, and others have turned from monolithic architecture to the microservices. The microservices are undeniably beneficial for companies who want to improve productivity, efficiency, as well as effectiveness. There’s a chance that you are one of those companies who want to adopt the microservices technology. However, the monolithic technology is still applicable. And there is no sign of stopping from this side. There will always be pros and cons of each technology that you choose. So, what will be yours?
WHAT IS A Monolithic Architecture?
Monolithic architecture is the default way to build the app. It is a single unit. The different functions are managed in one single place and interface. The monolithic apps come with large code sizes. Modularity is not its specialty. The thing to notice is that when you want to make some changes or updates, you will need to dissect the large code base.
Pros of monolithic architecture
Requiring less technical solutions – The monolithic app handles only one app so that it will be easier for the developer to handle it. It is much easier to chance, log, and handle, as well as monitor the performance. Run the test much faster – As mentioned, a monolithic app is a single unit. That means one can run end to end testing and get the result fast. Straightforward deployment – It is simpler and more straightforward to deploy the monolithic app. Because it is only a single app, you only need to deploy it one time. There is no need to deal with multiple deployments of apps.
CONS of monolithic architecture
The scalability is challenging – When you need to scale up the monolithic app, there is a complex challenge from the system of code. It would be more challenging to manage. Challenges in making the change – Monolith is a large and complex app. When one changes the code, it is important to understand the risks for the whole system. If it is not handled properly, it can jeopardize the whole system. The development could take longer time presuming that there would be errors and trials.
WHAT IS A Microservices architecture?
Rather than one single unified unit, the microservices architecture breaks it down to several units which independently come with distinct functions. Microservices architecture assigns each app in the system as a separate service. Each of these services has their own uniqueness and function. So, it is very possible that all services have their own database and code. In microservices architecture, the single app consists of small services. Each service runs its own process and interacts with the mechanisms appointed to them. The methods which link them are APIs or Application Programming Interfaces.
PROS OF Microservices architecture
More flexibility: The services in the body come with independent components. Ones can update the services independently. When there is a bug or error, it will only affect one microservice without tampering the other services. Therefore, it becomes much easier to add the new features into the microservices app. Easy to manage: Ones can split the product into simpler and smaller components. The microservice app is easier to manage and fix. The good thing here is that you won’t need to waste your time to manage the services which are irrelevant for your business. You just need to focus on the services which can support you to achieve your specific business goals. The great scalability: One of the reasons why many companies turn to the microservices architecture is because of its great scalability. In case you are considering to scale your app up, it can be done much easier with the microservices approach. Every monolith has such limitations so that it will procure such challenges to update it. In many cases, these companies rebuilt the monolith for upgrading. In the microservices architecture, you won’t need to do that. Microservices architecture is sensible option for upscale in the future.
CONS OF Microservices architecture
The complex challenges: It is great to know that you can combine any module you want into the microservices architecture. But it is the double-edged sword. That means you will need to build the connections between the modules. The complexity is the real challenge.
Which software architecture is a great choice for my company? There must be the factors which you can use to weigh the options. There is no such thing as “one-size-fits-for-all”. but when you are in the middle of two options, you could use these considerations.
You could choose monolithic architecture if you:
Have no microservices skills: Microservices are not a small deal. Ones need to have expertise and ample experiences to make it happen. If microservices are not simultaneous with your current team’s skills, monolith architecture will be a more sensible thing to handle. Need to act quickly: if time is your concern, you might want to launch your product as soon as possible. Here is where the monolithic model comes to the best sense. Have a small coreteam: Whether you are just starting up, or running a small team, you might not need the offers from microservices architecture. It might not be the right time for you to start with the microservices because of its complexity. You might need it someday when your team is bigger and you need to scale your business up.
You could choose microservices architecture if you:
Desire for scalable app: If you plan to scale up and add new features to your application, microservices architecture will make it happen to you. It allows you to use new modules and add them depending on the market trends you follow. Aim for a wide array of services: Microservices architecture can give you enough resources to operate the multiple services. It is something that the monolith architecture cannot give to you. Have microservices expertise: obviously, it is a much better idea if you are ready with the ample skills and knowledge. Since without those in your starting line, conducting the microservice application development will be near to impossible.
