Systems
Monolith
Plain English
Everything in one glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term.
Definition
A monolith is a single, unified glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term where all components are tightly integrated.
In practice
Used for simpler glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term or early-stage products.
In context
It is treated as a legacy embarrassment more often than it deserves. For a single team shipping a single product, it is usually the correct choice and the cheapest to operate.
The reality
Monoliths become harder to maintain and scale over time.
Compared with
Monolith vs Modular Monolith
A monolith is one deployable unit. A modular monolith keeps that single glossaryDeploymentDeployment is the process of releasing software or updates to a live environment.Open glossary term while enforcing clear internal boundaries: most of the structural benefit of glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term without the distributed-glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term cost.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is a monolith?
It is a single unified glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term.
Why use a monolith?
It is simpler to glossaryBuildA build is the process of compiling and packaging code into a runnable application.Open glossary term and manage initially.
What are the drawbacks?
Difficulty glossaryScalingScaling is the process of growing a product or system to handle increased demand without compromising performance or experience. It applies to technology, users, and operations.Open glossary term and maintaining.
When should you move away from a monolith?
When complexity and scale increase.
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