Architecture styles
The main ways to structure an application, what each optimises for, and how they combine. 6 parts, about 40 minutes in total.
- Field guideClean ArchitectureWhat Clean Architecture is, when it fits and when it does not, and how to apply and enforce it. For architects choosing or reviewing a layered design, with a worked example for a configuration tool.
- Field guideHexagonal Architecture (Ports & Adapters)What Ports & Adapters is, how it differs from Clean and Onion, and how to apply it to a tool with many inputs and devices. For architects who want a testable core with less ceremony than full Clean Architecture.
- Field guideVertical Slice ArchitectureWhat Vertical Slice Architecture is, why it organises code by request instead of by layer, and how to keep slices from turning into copy-paste. For architects weighing it against Clean Architecture or combining the two.
- Field guideModular MonolithWhat a modular monolith is, how its modules keep their boundaries, and when it beats both a classic monolith and microservices. For architects structuring a product that several people or teams will grow for years.
- Field guidePlugin / Microkernel ArchitectureWhat a plug-in (microkernel) architecture is, the design decisions behind contracts, loading, isolation and versioning, and how to apply it to a configuration tool with many device families. For architects designing or reviewing extensible tools.
- ComparisonWhich Architecture Style When?A side-by-side comparison of layered, Clean, Hexagonal, Onion, Vertical Slice, Modular Monolith, Plugin and microservices, with criteria, ratings, scenarios and a decision procedure. For architects choosing or reviewing a structure.