MONOLITHS
Monolithic application architecture consists of one system, where business logic, codebase and all other parts are interconnected and dependent on each other.
MICROSERVICES
Microservices application architecture consists of individual services that function independently. Each service is responsible for a specific business goal, have their own logic and database, while working together as a distributed system with API-driven inter-process communication.
Advantages of Monolithic Architecture
Easy to develop and monitor
Initial development of monolithic architecture is fast because it is built with the mindset that all parts should be interconnected and dependent on each other.
High performance
Unlike microservice applications, monoliths don't require API for communication between components, enabling higher performance.
Advantages of Microservices Architecture
Increased Scalability
Since microservices are independent of one another, new components can easily be added with out downtime.
Autonomy
Microservices enable independent, cross-functional teams dedicated for each business goal, since the deployment/actions of one team won't affect other services. This increases the rate at which new updates and features can be deployed.
Disadvantages of Monolithic Architecture
Low Flexibility
Due to the high interdependence between services and elements, any change is likely to affect the entire network. Making updates, upkeep and additions time-consuming and the need to be carefully coordinated.
Difficulty in Scaling
Monolithic architecture prevents scaling individual components, instead you have to scale the entire app.
Disadvantages of Microservices Architecture
High resource requirement
The initial deployment and development of a microservices architecture requires a high number of resources and can take time. Since there needs to be seamless integration of the varying individual components.
Difficulty in testing
Due to the complexity of this architecture, testing can prove to be difficult, especially in terms of the interactions between services.
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Latest comments (2)
I'd say microservices are even easier to develop, too. You end up having less code in the project, and an easier time to see the interdependencies of your project's functions as well as the interdependencies between the services. And IPC is quite straightforward too - and in this case even forces you to make a habit out of cleanly separating concerns.
Might be useful to point out stateful vs stateless microservices. See devopedia.org/microservices