Catalog
concept#Cloud#Platform#Cloud-native#Software Development

12-Factor App

A model for developing cloud-native applications that defines 12 principles to improve software quality and maintainability.

The 12-Factor App model provides a structured approach to developing software applications that run in the cloud.
Established
Medium

Classification

  • Medium
  • Technical
  • Design
  • Advanced

Technical context

CI/CD ToolsCloud ServicesMonitoring Tools

Principles & goals

One codebase for each applicationExplicitly declare and isolate dependenciesStore configuration in the environment
Build
Enterprise, Domain, Team

Use cases & scenarios

Compromises

  • Misunderstandings in applying the principles.
  • Over-complexity due to too many microservices.
  • Lack of documentation can lead to issues.
  • Conduct regular code reviews
  • Keep documentation up to date
  • Implement automated tests

I/O & resources

  • Requirements for the application
  • Technology stack selection
  • Development environment
  • Scalable application
  • API documentation
  • Deployment strategy

Description

The 12-Factor App model provides a structured approach to developing software applications that run in the cloud. It includes principles aimed at increasing the portability, scalability, and maintainability of applications. The 12 factors are: Codebase, Dependencies, Configuration, Backing Services, Build, Release, Run, Processes, Port Binding, Concurrency, Disposability, and Logs Management.

✔

  • Increased portability between different cloud providers
  • Improved scalability and maintainability
  • Better collaboration within the development team

✖

  • Not all applications are suitable for the 12-Factor principles.
  • Requires a certain level of experience within the team.
  • May require initial effort for the transition.

  • Number of Deployments per Week

    Measure how often new versions are deployed.

  • Error Rate Post Deployment

    Monitor errors that occur after a deployment.

  • Application Response Time

    Measure how quickly the application responds to requests.

Example of a Microservice Architecture

An application consisting of multiple microservices that are developed and deployed independently.

Cloud-native E-commerce Platform

An e-commerce platform that applies the 12-Factor principles to ensure scalability and flexibility.

Social Media Application

A social media application hosted in the cloud that follows the 12-Factor principles.

1

Define the application architecture

2

Select the technologies

3

Develop the application according to the 12-Factor principles

⚠️ Technical debt & bottlenecks

  • Outdated dependencies
  • Lack of modularity
  • Insufficient tests
Integration ComplexityService DependenciesLack of Documentation
  • Ignoring the 12-Factor principles
  • Excessive dependencies between microservices
  • Insufficient security measures
  • Assuming all applications are cloud-native
  • Overlooking the importance of testing
  • Underestimating the effort for migration
Knowledge of cloud technologiesExperience with microservicesSkills in software development
Cloud ComputingMicroservices ArchitectureAgile Development Methods
  • • Compliance with security standards
  • • Regulatory requirements
  • • Technological constraints