What are the Web Application Architecture Models?

Web Application Architecture Models are the manner in which the various elements of a web-based application are constructed and their interaction with one another.

 

The structure of a web-based application plays an important role in the determination of the performance of its application, its scalability, and its maintenance.

 

There are many web models of application architectures that are widely used, each having its own advantages and drawbacks.

 

In the article, we’ll look at three primary web models of application architecture that include monolithic, microservices, and serverless.

 

We will also discuss the three models with respect to flexibility, scalability as well as maintenance.

 

The aim of this post is to give information about the many web application architecture models and assist developers in making an informed choice when selecting the best design for their applications.

Web Application Architecture Models:

1. Monolithic Architecture

Monolithic architecture is a classic web application architecture model that combines all of the components of the application into one solid unit.

 

In a monolithic system the entire system, which includes an interface for users, business logic, and storage of data, is tightly connected and runs on one server.

 

The advantages of using monolithic architecture are the simplicity of design and implementation in addition to an easy and simple structure that is simple to learn and maintain.

 

But, a monolithic structure also has its drawbacks. As the application expands and becomes more complex it becomes difficult to maintain and scale.

 

Furthermore, it becomes more difficult to modify or update one component without impacting the whole application.

 

Monolithic architecture is ideal for small – to medium-sized applications where scaling is not the primary aspect. It’s also a good option for applications that have clear requirements and will be steady.

Advantages of Monolithic Architecture:

1. Simple:

Monolithic architecture is easy and straightforward which makes it simple to understand and navigate through the overall design of the software. This is a great option for smaller to medium-sized projects that have clear requirements and will likely remain solid.

2. Easy Development and Deployment:

It is because all the parts of the app are connected and run on one server, it’s relatively simple to design and build an application that runs on a single server.

3. Cost-effective:

Monolithic architecture can be efficient in that it needs fewer resources to maintain and manage in comparison to microservices or serverless architecture.

4. Database integration:

Monolithic database integration allows for seamless integration with a single database making it simple to create and test the application.

5. Shared libraries:

The monolithic structure permits sharing of resources and libraries across different parts of the app. This improves efficiency and decreases the overall complexity of the application.

6. Simple to diagnose:

As all the application’s components are in one location, it’s fairly easy to spot and correct issues as they occur.

2. Microservices Architecture

Microservices architecture is an application architecture model which organizes the Web Application Architecture Models into small independent services.

 

Each service is accountable for a specific function in the business and connects to other services via clear interfaces.

 

Each service is run on its own servers and can be designed, implemented, and scaled up independently.

 

The advantages of microservices include the ability to scale, flexibility as well as ease of maintenance.

 

As the application expands it can also be expanded with new services added or existing ones could be scaled up or reduced according to the need.

 

In addition, individual features are able to be changed or updated without impacting the whole Web Application Architecture Model.

 

However, the microservices architecture has its disadvantages. It’s more complicated to design and implement and needs more time to maintain and manage.

 

Microservices architecture is ideal for complex, large-scale applications where flexibility and scalability are key considerations. It’s also a great option for applications where the demands are expected to change regularly.

Advantages of Microservices Architecture:

1. Scalability:

Microservices technology allows the individual services to be scaled up and down according to the need which makes it much easier to handle the increased volume of demand or traffic on certain components in the system.

2. Microservices architecture is flexible:

It allows the individual service to be upgraded or replaced without impacting the entire application and makes it more adaptable and flexible to the changing needs.

3. Easy maintenance:

Because each service is accountable for a specific function in the business and interacts with other services via clearly defined interfaces, it’s easier to update and maintain each service without impacting the whole application.

4. Resilience:

Microservices technology permits the deployment of services across multiple servers, making the application more resilient to failures as well as downtime.

5. Technology diversity:

Microservices architecture that is multi-technology allows diverse services to be created with different technologies. This could be advantageous in instances where the different services have different specifications or limitations.

6. Independent Deployment:

Microservices technology allows the independent deployment of various services, which could help improve the overall development process of the release and development process.

7. Cost-effective:

Microservices architecture is cost-effective and allows the efficient use of resources because resources can be assigned to specific services when required.

 

3. Serverless Architecture

Serverless architecture is a Web Application Architecture Model in which an application can be built upon a serverless computing platform like AWS Lambda and Azure Functions.

 

In a serverless design, the application is broken into smaller, separate processes that are triggered by certain events.

 

The functions run by the serverless system and are completely handled through the provider of the platform. That means the programmer does not have to be concerned about server provisioning, scaling, or even maintenance.

 

The advantages of using servers-less technology include lower costs, scalability, as well as ease of deployment.

 

The platform provider manages all aspects of infrastructure meaning that the developer pays only for the resources employed.

 

Furthermore, functions are easily implemented and scaled according to the needs.

 

But serverless architecture can have its drawbacks too. It’s more complicated to design and implement and might not be appropriate for specific types of work.

 

Serverless architecture is appropriate for applications that are small and event-driven where cost-efficiency and scalability are major considerations.

 

It’s also a great option for applications in which the requirements are likely to be constantly changing.

Advantages of Serverless Architecture:

1. Cost-efficiency:

The serverless architecture permits only paying for resources used by the serverless platform service provider to take care of all the infrastructure. This can lead to significant savings in costs, particularly for applications that have varying or unpredictability in traffic.

2. Scalability:

A serverless system permits the automatic scaling of resources as required and makes it easier to handle the increased demand or load on particular components that make up the app.

3. Installation is simple:

The functions in a serverless system are easily installed and upgraded without the requirement of provisioning and managing servers.

4. Flexible:

Serverless architecture allows for functions to be modified or changed without impacting the entire application. This makes this more flexible as well as able to adapt to evolving requirements.

5. Event-driven:

Event-driven serverless architecture is suitable for applications that are event-driven since functions can be activated through specific events, like the uploading of a file by a user or sending a message to the queue.

6. Lower operational costs:

Serverless architecture lowers operational costs by transferring the management of server servers over to the service of the platform.

7. Focus on code:

The Serverless architecture lets developers concentrate on writing code instead of managing servers which speed development as well as increases productivity.

Comparison of Web Application Architecture Models

Microservices, monolithic as well as serverless Web Application Architecture Models each come with their own set of pros and cons.

• Monolithic architectures are simple to create and maintain, however, it isn’t always easy to scale when the application expands. Microservices architecture allows for scalability as well as versatility, but they can be challenging to design and implement. Serverless architecture is economical and simple to deploy but isn’t easy to design and test.
• Regarding scalability, the microservices and serverless architecture are better suitable for large complex applications, whereas the monolithic structure is more suited to smaller to medium-sized apps.
• Regarding flexibility, microservices and serverless architectures are more appropriate for use in applications where demands are likely to change frequently. On the other hand, monolithic architecture is best for applications in which the needs are clearly defined and solid.
• For maintenance, monolithic architecture is the easiest to maintain. the microservices and serverless architectural models need more resources to manage and keep.
• The final decision on the architecture model will be based on the particular requirements and needs of the particular application.

Conclusion

In the article below, we’ve discussed three primary Web Application Architecture Models for applications Monolithic, Microservices, and serverless.

 

We also evaluated these models with respect to their flexibility, scalability, and maintenance.

 

Monolithic architecture is ideal for small and medium size applications where scale is not a major issue.

 

Microservices architecture is ideal for large, complex applications where scalability, as well as adaptability, are key concerns.

 

Serverless architecture is ideal for smaller, event-driven apps in which cost efficiency and scalability are major concerns.

 

Developers must carefully think about the particular requirements and requirements of their application prior to deciding the best Web Application Architecture Models.