Microservices

Microservices, often known as the microservice architecture, represent an architectural style that structures an application as a collection of services. Each of these services is loosely coupled, highly maintainable, and independently deployable. They can be written in different programming languages and can use different data storage techniques.

Definition

Microservices are defined as a method of developing software systems that emphasizes decomposing an application into single-function modules with well-defined interfaces. These modules can be independently deployed and scaled.

Core principles

The architecture is built around the following core principles:

Single Responsibility

Each service in a microservice architecture is responsible for a single functionality. This principle is derived from the Single Responsibility Principle of object-oriented programming.

Loose Coupling

Services within the system are designed to operate independently. This ensures that a change or failure in one service doesn’t cascade to other services.

Decentralized Governance

Given the independence of services, teams have the flexibility to choose the best tools and technologies for their specific service, leading to a decentralized approach to software development.

Autonomous Deployment

Each service can be deployed independently of others. This allows for faster iteration and scaling of services as needed without affecting the entire application.

Related content: Microservice Architecture Key Concepts – Learn the definition, advantages, key concepts, and design principles of microservice architecture, and information on monolithic structures.

Basic structure

The basic structure of microservices involves organizing services around business capabilities. Each service communicates with others through a well-defined API and performs a specific business function. Services can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently, allowing for flexibility and resilience in the application architecture.

Service Communication

Services communicate with each other through APIs using protocols such as HTTP/REST or asynchronous message brokers. This communication is typically stateless, ensuring that each request from a client contains all the information needed to process the request.

Data Storage

Each microservice has its own dedicated database, ensuring that the service is decoupled from others and can be scaled independently. This approach contrasts with traditional monolithic architectures where a single database is shared among different application components.