A. Introduction

Earlier, companies used to implement technology for product development. Now, the situation is completely different; organizations are using agile techniques for development. It is easy to build and deploy codes, i.e., the foundation is shifting to the microservice architecture.

Tech-savvy using microservices can easily design, build and deploy the product lifecycle. This is the reason why big companies work on deployment works without any second thought.

This lucid guide will explain about microservice architecture and the advantages of using the microservice architecture.

B. Microservice Architecture

The microservice architecture platform allows the autonomous working of applications that are used for software development. Therefore, developers can work on developmental works in a particular or unique way.

The microservice architecture disintegrates the whole structure into individual apps that are responsible for executing specific functions. The use of its features can be seen in E-commerce websites or applications. For example, login, cart options, etc. Microservices are loosely coupled so that they can be deployed easily. What do you mean by the term loosely coupled? It means that tech-savvy can independently work on services and do not need to update all services at the same time.

The main motive to create microservice architecture is to create independent and manageable structures. Each type of microservices executes a specific function, i.e., each component comes with a defined use or purpose. For example, a microservice is used to track order while another is used to process payment requests. Developers have to follow or consider some guidelines while designing architecture. The designing work should be for business processes or requirements, not for data access.

Every microservice has an enclosed structure where a model can be established or applied. However, it is a little difficult to decide boundaries for a microservice. Experts usually use DDD (domain-driven design) for designing process or purpose. Using codes, DDD helps to create architecture and use cases. The specially designed framework helps in the development of the best types of designs of software architecture.

The following steps are essential to establish the architecture design:

1. The analysis of domain

2. The work on bounded context

3. Know about entities

4. Find microservices

There are many benefits to using domain-driven technology. An application is created as per the requirement of the domain and not on any other needs. Thus, it becomes easy for developers to create products that can meet users’ demands in a particular domain.

What are the outcomes after implementing the technology in an application? The application created using domain-drive technology is more flexible, and every microservice is modular and can be created using different types of programming techniques. Experts can use the latest technologies that they find appropriate to be used for the process, i.e., it provides customizable options for the use or application. Microservices use or implement neutral APIs for communication. There are some standards to be followed during the designing, development and deployment process, and this can be done with the help of the advanced process.

A clear approach to boundaries helps developers to evaluate and apply the best solution to any type of complex problem in a limited time. In this way, they can exactly focus on essential requirements needed for any job role and create reliable and genuine codes. Further, it is easy to understand the need for the integration process and where they need to be applied.

In the case of any glitch, readymade microservices can be independently deployed and replaced quickly. Thus, tech-savvy can easily create and deploy microservices for everchanging market needs or requirements. This is the best way to develop business platforms more flexible.

C. Service-oriented Architecture, Monolithic Architecture, and Microservice Architecture

Earlier, the legacy systems developed from monolithic apps were used by companies. What are the features of the system? It was difficult to handle such systems because of their complexity. The legacy system built on the traditional architecture is used as a single unit, i.e., the effect on any component will affect the entire architecture.

The following reasons have eliminated the use of traditional architecture in the present time.

• Problems associated with Monolithic Architecture

Scaling Issues: It is not easy to scale an individual component in monolithic architecture; in such cases, you need to scale the overall system. Even, the process is difficult and expensive.

Deployment Errors: In the monolithic architecture, the deployment process is very complex and needs orchestration, time and maintenance. The shipment of function also takes time, and it is tedious and complex too.

Management Problems: New professionals find difficult to assess the single codebase of monolithic architecture. Professionals working on the structure need to meticulously care about that. Code bases that are bloated can affect IDE performance, and need a longer time for their development, especially in the cloud environment.

Outdated: In the case of the traditional platform, a single programming language is used. Thus, it becomes difficult to create and introduce new technologies in the existing stack.

Testing: As a monolithic structure is complex, it becomes difficult to work on testing processes. It may take a lot of time for testing processes. Even, automated testing processes are difficult to apply, and a minor change will adversely create a ripple effect on the whole system. Learn more about microservice architecture…

• Why choose Service-Oriented Architecture

A service-oriented architecture is the best alternative for monolithic apps. Why is it the best substitute for the traditional architecture or platform? SOA allows tech-savvy to easily deploy services. The latest architecture builds applications that can handle processes and transfer services through a protocol.

The service-oriented architecture comprises services that are useful in controlling activities and invoking business services. Further, the design structure also depends on users’ or customers’ way of approach.

In the next level or stage, the architecture helps in executing specific business functions needed for specific tasks. For example, validation of data. In the third step, SOA will start working on the management of data accessibility in specific areas.

SOA and microservice architecture seem similar in some ways, but there are some differences between the architecture functions. The differences are based on some characteristics.

SOA – In a service-oriented architecture, the size of services can vary from a single application to multiple apps. Further, the platform is dependent on ESB (Enterprise Service Bus); AMQP, SOAP, MSMQ are used for remote access. It is easy for users to share app components. Monolithic architecture needs to be changed for the complete system change. The data can be easily shared between multiple services, and the containers are rarely applied.

Microservices – In the microservice architecture, every service is designed to execute a particular task. Companies use REST, JMS and homogenous protocols while adding a layer between consumers and services. The sharing of components is minimized through the help of the enclosed context. Every service is built to work independently and help to create new services, unlike in monolithic architecture. The data is not shared or communicated, as they are independently made. Self-running containers are used.

D. Working of Microservice Architecture

The microservice architecture breaks applications into multiple components that are further used to build independent APIs. Later, the APIs are stored on servers for their accessibility. Each service discovered in microservices has its own database. The architecture is manageable and affordable as compared to a single API.

E. Important Terms Related to Microservices

Containers and dockers are important terms that every tech-savvy must understand while working on microservices. Let’s discuss in a little detail for a better understanding of dockers and containers.

Containers: Containers are important tools used for the development and organization of microservices. They contain codes, tools and multiple settings that are used for all-round developmental processes. Further, they part multiple software for better working of microservices. For example, Linux containers use Linux kernel for the working of multiple Linux systems.

Dockers: Dockers are tools used for the management of containers; they help in streamlining processes for better scalability. Applications that are obtained from these processes are easier to manage. Easy deployment and the support for multiple systems are other two advantages of using dockers.

F. Important Characteristics of Microservices

Individual Components: Microservices allow the use of individual components that can be easily built, deploy and reused. It is easier to manage components without affecting the whole application. Tech-savvy needs not to work on the whole system for any type of change.

Easy Routing: Receiving, processing and responding of requests are solely done by microservices. The routing process is simple as compared to ESB. Smaller endpoints are efficient to process any type of information.

Customizable: There are many examples that show the evolution of monolithic structure into microservice architecture; this is possible through APIs. Microservices are designed to work with complex systems.

Decentralized System: Multiple tools are available to deal with individual components, as the system is designed on individual structures.

Challenges are everywhere, and it is important to overcome obstacles for the effective implementation of microservices. But the question arises, “what are the problems while developing or establishing microservices?”

G. Major Challenges

1. Communication and documentation between teams

2. Time management and networking

3. The complexity of DevOps

4. Security and testing

5. Monitoring

Whatever be the problems, it must be solved by implementing the design principles. Let’s discuss the design principles that are used for the development of microservice architecture.

H. Design Principles

What is the need for design principles? The design principles make any application scalable and manageable. Have a look at the following design principles.

• Utilize domain-driven design
• Do not share information used during implementation
• Create a decentralized Structure
• Isolate systems to handle failure; failure will have a limited impact on the related microservice and not on the whole system.
• Use DevOps Culture

I. Benefits of using Microservice Architecture

How are microservices providing modularity? What do you mean by the term modularity? Let’s understand with an example. We are creating a product in the manufacturing industry. Tech-savvy can work on the developmental works of individual components for a higher level of quality. A single failure will not affect the entire system. Have a look at the following benefits of using the architecture.

• Scalability: As individual components are independently working, it becomes to easy to scale a component without the need for scaling the whole system.
• Easy to Create and Deploy: Using microservices, tech-savvy can easily create and deploy new services.
• Resilience: Containers can be deployed to find and isolate fault without affecting the whole system.
• Productivity: The productivity is high in the case of microservice architecture, as it is easy to understand an individual microservice.
• Security: Individual components will not affect the entire as far as security is concerned. This is one of the biggest advantages of using architecture.

Microservices have built a paved way for every modern enterprise. Using microservice architecture, organizations can easily meet the everchanging demands of customers. The above guide cites complete information that any tech-savvy can use to design and build microservices.