Catalog
concept#Architecture#Software Engineering#Modular Architecture#Team Structure

Modular Monolith

A modular monolith is an architecture that combines the advantages of monolithic and microservice-based approaches.

The modular monolith combines the flexibility of microservices with the simplicity of a monolithic design.
Established
Medium

Classification

  • Medium
  • Technical
  • Design
  • Intermediate

Technical context

API interfaces for external systemsDatabase connectionsDeveloper tools

Principles & goals

Modularity promotes flexibility.Simple integrations enable rapid adjustments.Team autonomy fosters creativity.
Build
Team, Domain

Use cases & scenarios

Compromises

  • Insufficient planning can lead to misunderstandings.
  • Lack of standards can create incompatibilities.
  • Challenges in integrating various modules.
  • Document all changes systematically.
  • Conduct regular reviews.
  • Encourage feedback from all team members.

I/O & resources

  • Clearly defined requirements
  • Team skills and resources
  • Technological framework
  • Delivered modules
  • Results and performance metrics
  • Feedback from stakeholders

Description

The modular monolith combines the flexibility of microservices with the simplicity of a monolithic design. It allows teams to develop and scale different modules independently without fully adopting the complexity of distributed systems.

✔

  • Increased agility through modular structures.
  • Efficient maintenance and adaptation.
  • Faster time to market for new features.

✖

  • Can become complex with many modules present.
  • Requires constant communication between teams.
  • Technical debts may accumulate.

  • Development Time per Module

    The time taken to develop a module.

  • Number of Successful Implementations

    The number of successfully implemented modules.

  • Cost per Module

    The approximate cost for developing and maintaining a single module.

E-commerce Platform Migration

A company successfully migrated its monolithic e-commerce platform to a modular monolith, significantly reducing development cycles.

CRM System Modification

A CRM system was broken down into modules, making it easier to adapt and integrate new features.

Team Improvement

The introduction of the modular monolith improved collaboration within the team and increased efficiency.

1

Create an architectural design.

2

Plan training for the team.

3

Start a pilot trial with one module.

⚠️ Technical debt & bottlenecks

  • Outdated modules needing an update.
  • Debt due to insufficient testing processes.
  • Lack of documentation for module integrations.
Team collaboration requires more transparency.Technical debts must be actively monitored.Lack of standards can create inefficiencies.
  • Excessive interdependence between modules.
  • Neglecting tests during development.
  • Arbitrary selection of technologies without a clear plan.
  • Too many modules without clear unification.
  • Overloading responsibilities to module owners.
  • Making assumptions without valid data.
Knowledge of modular architectureExperience with API designTeam collaboration skills
Modularity promotes adaptability.Collaboration between teams is crucial.Technical integrations must be planned carefully.
  • • Resources must be allocated for development.
  • • Technologies must be compatible.
  • • Team skills must be considered.