A traditional monolithic application is the opposite of microservices architecture. It is a single software unit where all the components are interdependent. The database of this architecture serves for the whole stack. The development process is slow, yet simple. In comparison with microservices, monolithic architecture doesn’t require expert knowledge and allows to build the app from scratch.
However, if you aim to launch a complex application with a wide operational system, then microservices will do the work better. Here is why:
| Monolithic architecture | Microservices architecture |
| The whole structure works for all the goals | Each unit accomplishes ONE business goal |
| The disaster affects the whole app | If the fault happens, it only impacts a single unit which is easy to rebuild and redeploy |
| There is only one data model and technology for the structure | Federated data allows choosing the best-suited model for each app process |
| Slow development process | Due to small teams that lead each microservice, the development is quicker and more efficient |
| Unflexible resource allocation | Depending on which service customers use the most (for example, the product listing), developers understand which unit requires more resources |
Microservice Cons
As you are aware of the microservice benefits, let’s explore some of its drawbacks. Here are some of them:
- Since microservice runs as a complex system, you need to establish communication between all the units, which requires additional effort;
- It is hard to manage and test independently deployable structures;
- The maintenance of each unit requires money and good teamwork;
- Because of the different programming languages, there are more services to look after;
- The processing and storage of unstructured data is a challenge because of the separate mechanisms.
When you want to start the new project development, there is always a question of what architecture to choose.
There are two possible variants: monolithic architecture that is considered traditional and microservices.
The terms ‘Microservices’ and ‘Microservices Architecture’ refer to the same thing – the technique of developing a software application as a collection of loosely coupled services that can be developed, deployed, and maintained independently.
Microservices is a type of service-oriented architecture (SOA) where each of the services are fine-grained and, at the same time, responsible for a distinct task within the application.
Microservices architecture is best suited to Agile development practices where application changes are expected to be dynamic, fast-paced, and on-demand.
This is because a microservices architecture enables easy and efficient implementation of changes in specific elements of even large applications, without interrupting continuous delivery and deployment.
Monolithic Application vs. Microservices Application
A microservices-based application is the opposite of a monolithic application where all components of software were tightly packed together to form a single unit.
If you want to know about Microservices, you are in the right place.
Gone are the days of using the traditional monolithic application for software development.
A server-side application can be a mix of presentation, business logic, database, and application integration. But even top software development companies cannot assure that these have to be single-tier and lightweight!
