MEDIUMFundamentalssoftware architect

Microservices vs Monolith

When should you choose microservices over a monolithic architecture? What are the trade-offs?

Estimated Time: 45 minutes
#architecture#fundamentals#design-patterns
Solution Overview

Monoliths are simpler to start; microservices offer scalability and team autonomy but add operational complexity.

Hints to Get Started
1

Consider your team size and structure

2

Think about deployment and operational maturity

Monolith

cons

  • Scaling limitations
  • Technology lock-in
  • Large codebase
  • Team coupling

pros

  • Simple deployment
  • Easy debugging
  • No network latency
  • ACID transactions

best for

  • Startups
  • Small teams
  • Simple domains
  • Rapid prototyping
Microservices

cons

  • Operational complexity
  • Network issues
  • Data consistency
  • Testing challenges

pros

  • Independent scaling
  • Technology diversity
  • Team autonomy
  • Fault isolation

best for

  • Large organizations
  • Complex domains
  • High scale requirements
  • Multiple teams
Migration Path

Start monolith, extract services as needed (Strangler Fig pattern)