Monolithic applications are one application running multiple business domains.
A single application running other applications, all sharing resources. Monolithic architecture refers to a single, large, complex software application built as a single unit.
In a monolithic application architecture, the entire application is built as a single, unified unit. This means that all of the components, such as the user interface, business logic, and data storage, are all tightly integrated and are typically built using the same programming language and framework.
Monolithic vs Microservices Architecture
Microservices applications are multiple small applications acting as one application to fulfill the business need.
Microservices architecture decomposes a complex application into smaller, independent, modular services that communicate through well-defined interfaces.
Microservices offer more flexibility, scalability, and resilience, but can be more complex to design and manage.
There are several key differences between monolithic and microservices architecture:
Modularity: In a monolithic architecture, all of the application's components are tightly coupled and built as a single unit. In a microservices architecture, each microservice is independently deployable and can be developed and maintained by different teams.
Scalability: It is easier to scale a microservices architecture because individual microservices can be scaled independently of the other microservices. In a monolithic architecture, the entire application must be scaled as a single unit.
Resilience: In a microservices architecture, if one microservice fails, it can be isolated and replaced without affecting the other microservices. In a monolithic architecture, a failure in one component can bring down the entire application.
Deployment: In a microservices architecture, individual microservices can be deployed and updated independently of the other microservices. In a monolithic architecture, the entire application must be deployed and updated as a single unit.
How to migrate from monolithic to microservice?
If you are planning to migrate from monolithic to microservices. You need to consider a few best practices.
Migrating from a monolithic architecture to a microservices architecture can be a complex and challenging process. The most important aspect of transitioning from monolithic to microservices infrastructure is to stay organized. Here are some general steps to consider when planning such a migration:
Analyze the current system: Before migrating to microservices, you need to understand the current monolithic system's architecture and identify its strengths and weaknesses. This includes understanding how different components are connected, what data is shared between them, and how they communicate with each other.
Define your microservices architecture: Once you have a clear understanding of the current system, define the target microservices architecture. This includes identifying the services you want to create, how they will interact with each other, and how they will be deployed and managed.
Create a migration plan: After defining the target architecture, create a plan for migrating from the monolithic system to microservices. This should include a timeline, milestones, and a strategy for testing and validating the new system.
Identify microservices boundaries: Identify the boundaries of the microservices, including the different functional areas of the application that should be broken down into separate services. This will involve re-architecting the system and decoupling services, so they are independent and can be developed and deployed separately.
Re-architect the monolith: Re-architect the monolith into smaller components, making sure that each component can function independently. This may involve breaking up the monolith into separate modules or subsystems that can be converted into microservices.
Develop and deploy microservices: Once the microservices architecture is defined, develop and deploy the new microservices in a phased manner, ensuring that they are working correctly and that they integrate with the rest of the system.
Test and validate the new system: Test the new system to ensure that it works correctly and meets the requirements of the stakeholders. This includes validating the new architecture, testing each microservice, and ensuring that they work together seamlessly.
Monitor and manage the microservices: After deployment, monitor and manage the microservices to ensure that they are running smoothly and that any issues are identified and resolved quickly. Some microservices monitoring tools might be useful after migration.
Migrating from a monolithic to a microservices architecture is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. It's essential to take the time to understand the current system, define the target architecture, and create a comprehensive migration plan. With careful planning, testing, and execution, you can successfully transition to a microservices architecture that is more scalable, resilient, and easier to manage.
Benefits of monolithic architecture:
Less latency
Since all calls in a monolith are local, users experience less latency than they may in a microservices-based environment. The processing time involved with one service communicating with another often involves a slower response time, and although there are ways to mitigate that issue, a monolithic architecture is generally more streamlined.
Less complication about crosscutting concerns
A monolith makes it easier to implement workflows that involve different components of your application, such as automating a shipping label and charging a credit card, since all relevant data is in one easy-to-access place.
Ease of development and monitoring
The agility of microservices often comes with the cost of complexity. Particularly for smaller projects or organizations, creating a highly distributed environment might involve more development and maintenance than a small team is capable of managing effectively.
Conclusion: In this article, we learn the basic difference between the monolithic and microservices application architecture and migration best practice considerations.