Description: Monolithic services are those that are integrated into a single system, where all functionalities and components operate as a cohesive unit. This approach means that the software is developed and deployed as a single block, which implies that any change or update requires the reimplementation of the entire system. Monolithic services are often simpler to develop initially, as they do not require the complexity of communication between multiple services. However, as the system grows, it can become more challenging to maintain and scale, as any modification can affect the entire system. This type of architecture is common in small to medium-sized applications or in the early stages of development, where the speed of implementation is crucial. Despite their limitations, monolithic services can be effective in environments where simplicity and cohesion are valued more than flexibility and scalability.
History: The concept of monolithic services has existed since the early days of programming and software development, when applications were built as integrated and standalone systems. As technology advanced, especially with the advent of microservices architecture in the 2010s, the monolithic approach began to be questioned. However, many legacy applications and older systems still operate under this model, demonstrating its persistence in the industry.
Uses: Monolithic services are commonly used in small to medium applications where simplicity and rapid development are priorities. They are ideal for projects that do not require massive scalability or where the development team is small. They are also found in legacy systems that have evolved over time and, despite their complexity, continue to function as a monolithic unit.
Examples: An example of a monolithic service is an inventory management application that includes all functionalities, from data entry to report generation, in a single system. Another example could be a content management system (CMS) that handles both content creation and publishing on a single platform without splitting into separate services.
