DEV Community

Amburi Roy
Amburi Roy

Posted on

How-To: Convert Monoliths to Microservices

When a monolithic application becomes too complex to manage, it can be converted to a microservices architecture. This can be a daunting task, but there are a few strategies that can make it easier.

1. The Strangler Fig Pattern

The strangler fig pattern is a gradual approach to migrating a monolith to microservices. The idea is to start by extracting a small part of the monolith into a microservice. Once that microservice is stable, you can then extract another part of the monolith and move it to a microservice. This process continues until the entire monolith has been converted to microservices.

The strangler fig pattern has several advantages. It is relatively easy to implement, and it does not cause any disruption to the existing application. It also allows you to gradually migrate the monolith, which can help to reduce the risk of failure.

However, the strangler fig pattern can also be a slow process. It can take several months or even years to completely migrate a monolith to microservices.

2. The Lego Strategy

The Lego strategy is another approach to migrating a monolith to microservices. In this approach, you continue to maintain the existing monolithic codebase, but you also start to build new features as microservices. This allows you to gradually introduce microservices into your architecture without having to completely replace the monolith.

The Lego strategy is a good option if you do not want to disrupt the existing application. It is also a good option if you are not sure which parts of the monolith should be converted to microservices.

However, the Lego strategy can also lead to technical debt. As you add more and more microservices, the monolithic codebase can become increasingly complex and difficult to maintain.

3. The Nuclear Option

The nuclear option is the most drastic approach to migrating a monolith to microservices. In this approach, you completely replace the monolith with a new microservices architecture. This is the fastest way to migrate to microservices, but it is also the riskiest.

The nuclear option should only be used as a last resort. It is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits of this approach before making a decision.

Which Strategy is Right for You?

The best strategy for migrating a monolith to microservices will vary depending on the specific application and the needs of the organization. However, the three strategies described above can provide a good starting point for making a decision.

Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a strategy:

  • The size and complexity of the application
  • The urgency of the migration
  • The budget available for the migration
  • The skills and experience of the team

Wrap-Up!

Ultimately, the best way to migrate a monolith to microservices is to carefully consider all of the factors involved and choose the strategy that is right for the specific application.

I hope this is helpful! 🤗

Top comments (0)