The evolution of the Microservice Architecture pattern language
You are receiving this email because you subscribed to microservices.io
In November, I'll be teaching public workshops in Berlin and Milan. I hope you will enroll.
My service collaboration patterns online bootcamp is available at a discount. Use coupon CCMHVSFB to sign up for $95 (valid until November 8th, 2024). There are deeper discounts for buying multiple seats.
The microservice architecture pattern language is ten years old. Here's a talk I recently gave about its evolution.
The evolution of the Microservice Architecture pattern language
It’s been 10 years since I began writing the Microservice Architecture pattern language. Here’s a presentation that I gave at the recent Pattern Languages of Programs, People & Practices (PLoP 2024) conference on the evolution of the pattern language.
Introduction to the pattern language
Patterns have played a major role in my thinking for decades and it was great to discuss the evolution of the pattern language with the patterns community. Since the audience came from a variety of fields - not just software development - I started by explaining the core concepts of software architecture and architectural styles, highlighting the importance of non-functional requirements like runtime behavior and ease of development. I then introduced the Microservice Architecture, an architectural style that enables fast flow – a way of working that allows teams to deliver continuous streams of small changes, fostering rapid feedback and learning.
The pattern language, which I started developing back in 2014, provides guidance to developers navigating the complexities of implementing a Microservice Architecture, helping them decide whether it is a good fit for their application, and address the various challenges that arise.
The evolution of pattern language
A key part of the presentation discussed the evolution of the pattern language over the years. It wasn’t a carefully planned process; it grew organically based on practical experiences and feedback.
Anti-patterns of microservices adoption
I shared how I introduced the anti-patterns of microservice adoption, based on my observations, to help developers avoid common pitfalls. I also explained how key definitions within the pattern language were refined over time, leading to a clearer understanding of core concepts like loosely coupled and independent deployable services.
About dark energy and dark matter forces
One of the more interesting developments of the pattern language was the introduction of dark energy and dark matter as metaphors for the forces that shape architectural decisions. Dark energy, representing forces pushing for smaller, more independent services, resulting in improved team autonomy and agility. Dark matter, on the other hand, represents the forces that encourage larger services, even a monolith, in order to avoid the downsides of a distributed architecture. These opposing forces create a constant tension in architectural design and architects must carefully balance them.
Your context determines the strength of dark energy and dark matter forces
It’s important to remember that the context plays a crucial role in determining the strength and relevance of these forces. The size and structure of the development team, the nature of the application, and the capabilities of the deployment pipeline all influence the architectural choices.
Beyond patterns
Moving beyond simply applying predefined patterns, I introduced Assemblage, which is a deliberative process for designing a microservice architecture.
The future of the pattern language
Looking ahead, I outlined several improvements for the pattern language. These include refining the terminology used to describe the roles within a pattern’s solution, simplifying the treatment of database architecture patterns, and exploring the relationship between patterns and Team Topologies.
While the focus is often on microservices, I also emphasized that monolithic architectures are still valid and valuable for many applications contexts. Applying principles like modularity and minimizing build-time coupling can even help create well-designed, modular monoliths that are easier to maintain and evolve.
The presentation concluded by emphasizing the continued relevance of the pattern language, the need for ongoing adaptation to keep pace with new knowledge and changes in the technology landscape, and the importance of using precise language to effectively communicate architectural concepts.
Slides
.Need help with accelerating software delivery?
I’m available to help your organization improve agility and competitiveness through better software architecture: training workshops, architecture reviews, etc.
Learn more about how I can help
Older messages
Reminder: Architectural patterns for modular monoliths that enable fast flow
Thursday, September 12, 2024
You are receiving this email because you subscribed to microservices.io This month, I'm teaching an online public workshop Architecting for fast, sustainable flow: enabling DevOps and Team
Architectural patterns for modular monoliths that enable fast flow
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
You are receiving this email because you subscribed to microservices.io This month, I'm teaching an online public workshop Architecting for fast, sustainable flow: enabling DevOps and Team
Reminder: Architecting microservices for fast, sustainable flow
Thursday, September 5, 2024
You are receiving this email because you subscribed to microservices.io This month, I'm teaching an online public workshop Architecting for fast, sustainable flow: enabling DevOps and Team
Architecting microservices for fast, sustainable flow
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
You are receiving this email because you subscribed to microservices.io This month, I'm teaching an online public workshop Architecting for fast, sustainable flow: enabling DevOps and Team
Architecting monoliths for fast, sustainable flow
Thursday, August 22, 2024
You are receiving this email because you subscribed to microservices.io Next month, I'm teaching an online public workshop Architecting for fast, sustainable flow: enabling DevOps and Team
You Might Also Like
Top Tech Deals 💰 $20 Monster Earbuds, TCL TVs, Anker Power Station, and More
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Pre-Black Friday deals you won't want to miss. How-To Geek Logo November 6, 2024 Top Tech Deals: $20 Monster Earbuds, TCL TVs, Anker Power Station, and More Pre-Black Friday deals you won't
Zuzalu is Dead. Long Live Zuzalu! - Metamorphosis Commenced v3
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Top Tech Content sent at Noon! NODES 2024, a Dev Conference on AI, Knowledge Graphs & Apps Read this email in your browser How are you, @newsletterest1? 🪐 What's happening in tech today,
The best open-source AI models
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Drone flight goggles; Kindle Paperwhite hands-on; Best laptop deals -- ZDNET ZDNET Tech Today - US November 6, 2024 ai concept The best open-source AI models: All your free-to-use options explained
Bolster Your Cyber Defenses with CIS Controls v8.1
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Key changes to help you mature your cybersecurity posture...
Reducing insider trading in a microservice architecture
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
You are receiving this email because you subscribed to microservices.io In November, I'll be teaching public workshops in Berlin and Milan. I hope you will enroll. My service collaboration patterns
INTERPOL Disrupts Over 22,000 Malicious Servers in Global Crackdown on Cybercrime
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
THN Daily Updates Newsletter cover Introduction to Algorithms: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners: Unlocking Computational Thinking ($34.99 Value) FREE for a Limited Time Begin your journey into the
Post from Syncfusion Blogs on 11/06/2024
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
New blogs from Syncfusion Visualize US Gulf Coast Kerosene-Type Jet Fuel Prices with .NET MAUI Fast Line Chart By Arul Jenith Berkmans This blog explains how to visualize US Gulf Coast jet fuel prices
⚙️ Anthropic price hike
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Plus: A different kind of legal AI
The Power of Modern Knowledge Management for Business Professionals
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Unlock your business potential with cutting-edge knowledge management strategies for enhanced productivity and decision-making Sébastien Dubois DeveloPassion's Newsletter The Power of Modern
You’re invited: Mastering Production-Ready AI with Elastic & Google Cloud
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Unlock the potential of production-ready AI with Elastic and Google Cloudㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Mastering Production-Ready AI with Elastic & Google