Monolithic Architecture
Definition
Monolithic architecture is a design where all parts of an application are bundled together into one cohesive unit. Essentially, everything—user interface, server-side logic, and database access—is tightly connected, making it easier to develop but harder to adapt as the system grows.
What is monolithic vs microservices?
In monolithic architecture, the entire application operates as one piece, while microservices break the app into smaller, independent services that work together. Monolithic systems are simple to get up and running, but microservices offer more flexibility and scalability as different components can be updated or scaled independently.
Any examples of large applications that stay a monolith?
Some big names, like LinkedIn and eBay, held on to monolithic architecture during their early growth phases. They stuck with it for simplicity, especially when speed and straightforward development were top priorities.
Pros and cons of monolithic software architecture
Pros:
- Faster to build and deploy early on, making it ideal for startups or smaller teams.
- Everything is in one place, making the development process easier to manage at first.
- Fewer moving parts mean less complexity when debugging or testing.
Cons:
- Scalability issues arise as the app grows; one small change can require redeploying the whole system.
- Harder to maintain as features are added, potentially slowing down innovation.
- Less flexibility in isolating issues or updating individual components.