In this lesson, we'll address a vital topic in system architecture interviews: the comparison between monolithic and microservices architectures. Knowing the distinctions, advantages, and disadvantages of each can significantly influence system architecture decisions. Typical interview questions might include:

• What is the difference between monolithic and microservices architectures?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of each architecture?
• Can you provide scenarios where one would be preferred over the other?

These questions assess your comprehension of different architectural styles and your ability to choose the appropriate one based on specific needs.

To excel in answering these questions, focus on the following concepts:

Monolithic Architecture:

• Definition: A monolithic application is designed as a single, unified unit.
• Advantages:
  • Simplicity: Easier to deploy and test as everything exists in one codebase.
  • Performance: Lower latency within the application as all components are integrated.
• Disadvantages:
  • Scalability Limits: More challenging to scale independently.
  • Deployment Risks: Any update requires redeploying the entire application.

Microservices Architecture:

• Definition: Breaks down an application into smaller, loosely coupled services.
• Advantages:
  • Scalability: Individual services can be scaled independently.
  • Flexibility: Different services can use different technologies.
  • Fault Isolation: Issues in one service do not necessarily affect others.
• Disadvantages: