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Monolithic Architecture

Single deployable unit combining multiple modules. Simple operationally and effective for many products.

Architecture Diagram

Monolithic ArchitectureSingle deployable application with internal modular structure and shared infrastructure.🏢 Monolithic Architecture🔄 Load BalancerTraffic Distribution📦 Single Deployable ApplicationOne codebase, one deployment unit🧩 Business Modules👥 User Module• Authentication• User Management• Profile Service📋 Order Module• Order Processing• Inventory Mgmt• Shipping Logic💳 Payment Module• Payment Processing• Billing & Invoicing• Transaction History🔧 Shared Infrastructure🛡️ Cross-cutting• Security• Logging & Metrics• Caching💾 Data Access Layer• ORM/Entity Framework• Repository Pattern• Data Validation🖥️ Presentation• Web Controllers• API Endpoints• UI Components🗄️ Shared DatabaseSingle database for all modules • ACID transactions⚖️ Horizontal ScalingInstance 2Full App CopyInstance NFull App Copy✅ Benefits• Simple deployment• Easy development• Strong consistency• ACID transactions• Efficient testing• Single codebase• Performance⚠️ Trade-offs• All-or-nothing scale• Technology coupling• Single failure point• Large codebase• Team coordinationBest for: Small-medium teams • Well-understood domains • Performance-critical apps🎯 When to Use• Small to medium teams• Well-understood domain• Rapid prototyping• Simple deployment needs• Performance critical

What it is

A cohesive application packaged and deployed as one unit. Can still be well-modularized internally with clear boundaries.

Benefits

  • Operational simplicity and easier debugging
  • Easier local development
  • Great for small teams and early stages

Trade-offs

  • Scale and release coupling
  • Risk of big-ball-of-mud without discipline