Opinionated Architecture: Simple Guide for Beginners

Recently I have started working on Abp.io. In documents I read about opinionated architecture. This was the first time I read this terminology. Thought to explore more about it.
Are you familiar with the term "opinionated architecture"? If no, I will try to explain with some examples.

Imagine you're building a house. You have two options: a non-opinionated architect who gives you a basic blueprint and lets you decide everything from the layout to the color of the walls. On the other hand, an opinionated architect already has strong preferences and recommendations about how your house should look and function.

Non-opinionated architecture is like a blank canvas. It gives you the freedom to make choices, but it also means you have to figure out a lot of things on your own. You might spend hours researching different materials or layouts, and it can be overwhelming.

Opinionated architecture, on the other hand, comes with built-in decisions. The architect has already made choices based on their expertise and experience. They might suggest specific materials that are known for their durability or recommend a layout that maximizes space and light.

Think of it like ordering a pizza. With a non-opinionated approach, you start with a plain crust and add toppings based on your preferences. But with an opinionated approach, the chef has already curated a menu of delicious flavor combinations, so you just have to choose your favorite.

Opinionated architecture isn't about taking away your freedom—it's about making the process easier and more efficient. It's like having a knowledgeable friend guide you through the decision-making process, saving you time and stress.

So, which approach is better? It depends on your preferences and priorities. If you enjoy having complete control and don't mind doing research, non-opinionated architecture might be the way to go. But if you value convenience and trust the expertise of an architect, opinionated architecture could be a better fit.

In the end, the most important thing is to find an approach that works for you. Whether you prefer to design your own custom home or rely on the recommendations of a seasoned architect, the goal is to create a space that feels like home.

Below are few well-known frameworks based on Opinionated Architecture

1. abp.io (Application Boilerplate for .NET)
2. Angular
3. Ruby on Rails (Rails)
4. Django
5. Spring Boot