Abstract
Software
architecture defines the structured solution to meet technical and operational
requirements while optimizing attributes such as performance, security, and
manageability. This assignment introduces key software architecture styles
including traditional models like Client–Server and MVC, and modern distributed
systems such as Microservices, SOA, Event-Driven, Serverless, and Containerized
architectures. Each style’s principles, advantages, limitations, and real-world
applications are explored, followed by comparative and practical analysis based
on industry usage.
1. Introduction
Software
architecture refers to the high-level structure of a software system describing
how components interact, how they are deployed, and how they contribute to
overall system performance and maintainability.
Architectural styles are standardized solutions that define the
framework for structuring system components and their interactions.
Understanding
various architectural styles allows software engineers to select the right
structure based on system complexity, scalability requirements, and
technological goals.
2. Major Software Architecture Styles
2.1 Monolithic Architecture
A monolithic system is built as a single
deployable unit where all modules are interconnected and interdependent.
- Advantages: Simplicity, easy
initial development and deployment.
- Disadvantages: Difficult to scale,
slow updates, tight coupling.
- Use Cases: Small web or desktop
applications.
2.2 Client–Server Architecture
The Client–Server model divides
software into two main components:
- Client: Requests services and
provides a user interface.
- Server: Processes requests, manages
resources, and returns results.
Advantages:
- Separation of logic and presentation.
- Centralized data control and security.
Disadvantages:
- Server dependency may cause performance bottlenecks.
- Limited scalability under high traffic.
Examples:
Email systems, university management systems, banking applications.
2.3 Model–View–Controller (MVC)
Architecture
MVC divides applications into three
interconnected parts:
- Model: Manages application data and
logic.
- View: Handles presentation and user
interface.
- Controller: Acts as a mediator
between Model and View.
Advantages:
- Promotes modularity and reusability.
- Supports parallel development.
Disadvantages:
- Can be complex for small applications.
Examples:
Used in frameworks like Django, Laravel, Ruby on Rails, and ASP.NET MVC.
2.4 Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)
SOA is based on reusable, interoperable
services connected through standardized protocols such as SOAP and XML.
Key Components:
- Service Provider
- Service Consumer
- Service Registry
- Enterprise Service Bus (ESB)
Advantages:
Platform independence, reusability, loose coupling.
Disadvantages: ESB bottlenecks, high governance overhead.
Use Cases: Enterprise systems, e-Governance platforms, banking systems.
2.5 Microservices Architecture
Microservices break applications into independent,
deployable services, each focusing on a single business function.
Advantages:
- High scalability and fault tolerance.
- Independent deployment and technology diversity.
Disadvantages:
- Complex management and monitoring.
- Data consistency challenges.
Examples:
Netflix, Amazon, Uber.
2.6 Event-Driven Architecture (EDA)
In EDA, system components communicate by emitting
and responding to events asynchronously.
Advantages:
Real-time responsiveness, scalability, and loose coupling.
Disadvantages: Difficult debugging and event tracing.
Use Cases: IoT applications, fraud detection systems, and streaming
platforms.
2.7 Serverless Architecture
Serverless computing eliminates manual
server management. Cloud providers execute code in response to events.
Advantages:
- Auto-scaling and pay-per-use model.
- Rapid deployment and cost-efficiency.
Disadvantages:
- Cold-start latency and vendor lock-in.
Use Cases:
APIs, chatbots, notifications, lightweight microservices.
2.8 Containerized Architecture
This style packages applications and their
dependencies into containers (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
Advantages:
- Portability across environments.
- Fast deployment and high scalability.
- Efficient resource utilization.
Disadvantages:
- Requires container orchestration tools.
Use Cases:
DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, hybrid cloud deployments.
3. Comparison of Software Architecture
Styles
|
Architecture Style |
Scalability |
Coupling |
Deployment |
Communication |
Example Technologies |
Ideal Use Case |
|
Monolithic |
Low |
Tight |
Single Unit |
Internal Calls |
Java EE, .NET |
Small apps |
|
Client–Server |
Medium |
Moderate |
Two-tier |
HTTP, SQL |
Web, banking apps |
|
|
MVC |
Medium |
Moderate |
Layered |
Controller Routes |
Django, Laravel |
Web frameworks |
|
SOA |
High |
Loose |
Multi-tier |
SOAP, XML |
ESB, SOAP |
Enterprise systems |
|
Microservices |
Very High |
Very Loose |
Independent |
REST, gRPC |
Docker, Kubernetes |
Large-scale apps |
|
Event-Driven |
High |
Loose |
Async |
Event Bus |
Kafka, RabbitMQ |
IoT, real-time |
|
Serverless |
Auto |
Very Loose |
On-demand |
Events/HTTP |
AWS Lambda |
Lightweight apps |
|
Containerized |
Very High |
Loose |
Isolated |
APIs |
Docker, Kubernetes |
Cloud-native apps |
4. Real-World Adoption: Top 10
Businesses & Social Media Platforms
|
Business / Platform |
Primary Architecture Style |
Supporting Styles |
Industry |
|
Netflix |
Microservices |
Event-Driven, Containerized |
Streaming |
|
Amazon |
Microservices |
Serverless, SOA |
E-commerce |
|
Facebook (Meta) |
Client–Server |
MVC |
Social Media |
|
Twitter (X) |
Event-Driven |
Microservices |
Social Media |
|
YouTube |
Client–Server |
Microservices |
Video Sharing |
|
Instagram |
MVC |
Microservices |
Social Media |
|
Uber |
Microservices |
Event-Driven, Containerized |
Transportation |
|
Spotify |
Event-Driven |
Microservices |
Music |
|
Google |
Containerized |
Serverless, Microservices |
Search & Cloud |
|
Microsoft |
SOA |
Microservices |
Enterprise Cloud |
5. Conclusion
Each software
architecture style has unique benefits and trade-offs.
Traditional styles like Client–Server and MVC laid the foundation
for modern distributed architectures such as Microservices and Serverless. Modern organizations often combine multiple
styles for better scalability, flexibility, and performance — marking a shift
toward hybrid, cloud-native architectures. Choosing the right style depends on project
complexity, team expertise, and scalability requirements.
