Monolithic Architecture- Everything You Need to Know

In monolithic architecture, every functionality lies within a single codebase. This helps developers analyse the flow and logic of an application, which is particularly advantageous for small-to-mid sized applications. Since it involves launching a unified executable or the deployment of a WAR file to the server, its deployment is straightforward. This makes it ideal in environments where it doesn’t require rapid scaling.

Components in the monolithic application share a common memory space, which leads to quicker access times and high data processing speeds when compared to the distributed systems, which involve data transmission across networks. A single application to manage every process minimises the complexity and overheads that relate to data consistency and distributed transactions. 

The changes made in an area of application can be easily tracked and tested in monolithic systems without the complicated network failures and service incompatibilities that are usual in microservice architecture.

Testing monolithic applications could be efficient as it involves only a single set of technologies and a unified deployment. This enables comprehensive and end-to-end testing with no need to sub out external services. 

Monolithic applications usually need a simpler operational setup in comparison to microservices, which require mechanisms that include service discovery, complicated load balancing, and distributed messaging.

Since every component of a monolithic application accesses a single database, maintaining transactional integrity is easier. This is highly advantageous for applications that require a strong guarantee in terms of ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability).

State management can be simpler in monolithic architecture, as the application components can efficiently manage state data without the requirement of sophisticated coordination protocols. 

Small development teams find it easier to work with monolithic architecture due to a centralised codebase. This reduces the burden of coordination and avoids the potential complexities of managing multiple repositories or services. 

The simplicity of monolithic architecture is beneficial for smaller applications as it becomes easier to build, deploy and manage with no overhead of managing multiple projects or complicated distributed systems. 

Projects with well-laid requirements which are unlikely to evolve dramatically with time can find benefits from monolithic design. Applications that manage a cohesive and single business capability can also make use of the functionalities of monolithic architecture. 

If various modules of the application must communicate synchronously or remain dependent on each other, the monolithic architecture can be beneficial since it supports tight coupling and enables efficient management of synchronous operations. 

Applications work under optimised load conditions, which offers cost efficiencies of running a system. It outweighs the advantages of using a microservices architecture to scale out. 

Monolithic applications typically require fewer investments in infrastructure and tools compared to microservices, which makes them cost-effective and ideal for small companies, startups, etc. If the development team is small, managing a single codebase without having to spend time in multiple services or technologies can be more practical. 

When the key objective is to build a prototype swiftly to evaluate a business idea or present a proof of concept, monolithic architecture facilitates faster iterations without the burden of coordinating multiple services. 

In phases where new applications need to integrate with existing systems, monolithic architecture can be effective in aligning with the technological stack and the operational dynamics that legacy systems incorporate. 

Applications that don’t demand frequent updates or continuous deployments find monolithic models ideal, since the impact of possible downtimes or complexities can be minimised. 

When applications are compute-intensive, but not essentially distributed in nature, monolithic applications can be useful to leverage high performance computing resources within a centralised environment. 

Case: Consider an internal HR system used to manage employee records, benefits and payroll. These systems usually have a moderate number of users and requirements and don’t demand high scalability. Deploying this as a monolithic application makes development and maintenance aspects simpler and minimises the entire IT burden of the company.

Case: Think of a boutique online store that sells handmade goods with an online ordering system. These sites need basic ecommerce functionalities such as order processing, inventory management and customer management, which can be effectively managed within a monolithic architecture.

Case: A digital learning portal for a school needs to integrate the course materials, student’s assessments and feedback into a unified platform. These use monolithic architecture with tight integration of all components, thereby ensuring synchronisation of operations.

Case: A technology startup developing Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for social media tools should validate the concept with the targeted users and investors quickly. With monolithic architecture, you can rapidly build and deploy MVP, without any complexities of scaling or managed distribution services.

Case: A corporate website managed through a CMS such as WordPress or Drupal, in which the administrative panel, user interface, and server-side logic are all part of a single software stack. Due to the ease of setup, customization and maintenance, these systems are typically deployed as monolithic applications.