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Layered vs Modular vs Microservices... Which One is Best for You?

## **Layered vs Modular vs Microservices... Which One is Best for You?**

Choosing the right architecture is a critical decision when starting a software project. The architecture defines how your system is structured, how components interact, and how scalable and maintainable your application will be. In this article, we’ll compare **Single Layer**, **Layered (N-Tier)**, **Modular Monolith**, and **Microservices** architectures, exploring their **benefits** and **use cases** to help you make an informed decision.

### **1. Single Layer Architecture**

### What is Single Layer Architecture?

Single Layer Architecture is the simplest application architecture. It combines all application logic into one layer, directly interacting with the database and serving the user interface. There are no distinct layers such as application or domain layers.

### Benefits

*   **Low Complexity**: Simple to develop, understand, and maintain.

*   **Fast Development**: Ideal for quick prototypes or small applications.

*   **Low Overhead**: Minimal boilerplate code, with no abstraction layers to manage.

*   **Ease of Testing**: Fewer moving parts make it easy to debug and test.

### Use Cases

*   **Prototyping**: Quickly validating a business idea or concept.

*   **Small Applications**: Internal tools, proof-of-concept apps, or single-use software.

*   **Short-Lived Projects**: Applications with a short lifecycle where maintainability isn’t critical.

### Example

A small e-commerce website for a local shop, where the focus is on rapid development and deployment rather than scalability or modularity.

### **2. Layered (N-Tier) Architecture**

### What is Layered Architecture?

Layered (N-Tier) Architecture divides an application into multiple layers:

1.  **Presentation Layer**: Responsible for the UI/UX.

2.  **Application Layer**: Orchestrates business logic and interacts with the domain layer.

3.  **Domain Layer**: Encapsulates core business rules and logic.

4.  **Infrastructure Layer**: Handles data persistence, external APIs, and third-party integrations.

Each layer has a specific responsibility, and layers interact in a structured manner.

### Benefits

*   **Separation of Concerns**: Clear boundaries between layers promote better organization and maintainability.

*   **Scalability**: Logical layers make it easier to extend the system as requirements grow.

*   **Testability**: Each layer can be independently tested.

*   **Reusability**: Business logic in the domain and application layers can be reused across multiple UIs (e.g., web, mobile).

### Use Cases

*   **Traditional Enterprise Applications**: CRM systems, ERP software, and other business apps.

*   **Applications with Standard Workflows**: Projects with predictable patterns, such as CRUD operations.

*   **Multi-UI Systems**: Applications that support web, mobile, or desktop interfaces.

### Example

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for a mid-sized company where different departments (HR, Finance, etc.) need access to a shared backend.

### **3. Modular Monolith Architecture**

### What is Modular Monolith Architecture?

A Modular Monolith is a monolithic application divided into modules. Each module is self-contained, managing its own data and logic, while still being deployed as a single application.

### Benefits

*   **Code Organization**: Modules encapsulate functionality, reducing complexity and promoting separation of concerns.

*   **Scalable Development**: Teams can work independently on different modules without stepping on each other’s toes.

*   **Simplified Deployment**: No need to manage inter-service communication as in microservices—everything is deployed as a single unit.

*   **Path to Microservices**: Serves as a stepping stone for transitioning to a microservices architecture if needed in the future.

### Use Cases

*   **Medium-Sized Applications**: Applications that are too complex for single-layer or layered architecture but don’t require microservices.

*   **Evolving Systems**: Projects that may eventually transition to microservices but start as a monolith.

*   **Independent Modules**: Systems with distinct, loosely coupled business domains.

### Example

A multi-module hospital management system where separate modules handle patient records, billing, inventory, and appointments, all within a single deployable application.

### **4. Microservices Architecture**

### What is Microservices Architecture?

Microservices Architecture breaks an application into smaller, independent services. Each service manages its own database and business logic and communicates with other services via APIs or messaging systems like RabbitMQ, Kafka, or gRPC.

### Benefits

*   **Independent Scaling**: Services can be scaled independently based on demand.

*   **Fault Isolation**: If one service fails, it doesn’t bring down the entire system.

*   **Technology Diversity**: Different services can use different technologies, databases, or programming languages.

*   **Independent Deployments**: Teams can deploy services independently without affecting the rest of the system.

### Use Cases

*   **Large, Complex Systems**: Applications with many independent components and high scalability requirements.

*   **Distributed Teams**: Teams owning and managing different services independently.

*   **Cloud-Native Applications**: Applications designed for elastic scaling and resilience in the cloud.

### Example

A global e-commerce platform like Amazon, where different services handle inventory, payments, shipping, recommendations, and search, all running independently.

### **Choosing the Right Architecture for Your Project**

To decide which architecture is right for your project, consider these key factors:

### 1. Project Size and Complexity

*   **Small Projects**: Single Layer or Layered Architecture is sufficient.

*   **Medium Projects**: Modular Monolith is a good fit for scalable yet manageable applications.

*   **Large Projects**: Microservices are ideal for highly complex systems with independent modules.

### 2. Team Size and Structure

*   **Small Team**: Single Layer or Modular Monolith works well since communication overhead is low.

*   **Large Team**: Microservices can help distribute ownership across teams.

### 3. Scalability Requirements

*   **Low Scalability Needs**: Single Layer or Layered Architecture.

*   **High Scalability Needs**: Modular Monolith (short-term) or Microservices (long-term).

### 4. Deployment and Maintenance

*   **Simplified Deployment**: Modular Monolith or Layered Architecture.



*   **Independent Deployments**: Microservices offer the greatest flexibility.

### Comparing the Architectures

| **Architecture** | **Benefits**                              | **Best for**                                   |
| ---------------- | ----------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Single Layer     | Simple, fast, minimal complexity          | Small apps, prototypes, short-lived projects   |
| Layered (N-Tier) | Separation of concerns, reusability       | Enterprise apps, multi-UI systems              |
| Modular Monolith | Scalable, organized, future-proof         | Medium apps, evolving systems, modular domains |
| Microservices    | Scalability, fault tolerance, flexibility | Large-scale apps, distributed systems          |

## Which ABP Architecture is Most Common?

The following slide published by Volosoft recently illustrates the \*\*popularity of ABP templates \*\*by showing the percentage of projects that typically adopt each architecture:

![](/images/ABP%20Architecture%20use%20by%20Template%20\(1\).webp)

### Decision Tree Perspective

While the majority of projects opt for the N-Layered template, we encourage our clients to consider the Modular Monolith template. Its structure facilitates frequent incremental ABP upgrades and provides seamless support for transitioning to a microservices architecture when needed in the future.

Watch this video for in-depth conversation about pros and cons of each ABP template:

We are excited about the release of ABP Framework 9.0 RC (Release Candidate), introducing several significant enhancements to streamline your development experience.

**Key Updates in ABP 9.0 RC:**

*   **Upgrade to .NET 9.0**: ABP Framework now supports .NET 9.0, enabling developers to leverage the latest features and performance improvements. 



*   **Extension Property Policy**: A new policy has been introduced to manage module entity extensions more effectively, allowing for dynamic addition of properties to existing entities without altering the core structure. 



*   **Google Cloud Storage BLOB Provider**: Integration with Google Cloud Storage has been added, providing a new option for BLOB storage needs. 



*   **Removal of React Native Mobile Option**: The React Native mobile option has been removed from free templates to focus on other mobile development strategies. 



*   **ABP Suite Enhancements**: Improvements in naming conventions for multiple navigation properties to the same entity have been implemented, enhancing code clarity and maintainability. 



*   **CMS Kit Pro Feedback Feature**: The feedback feature in CMS Kit Pro has been refined to improve user interaction and content management. 



We encourage you to explore these new features and provide feedback to help us deliver a stable and robust ABP 9.0 release.

For detailed information and guidance on migrating to ABP 9.0, please refer to the [official announcement](https://abp.io/blog/announcing-abp-9-0-release-candidate) and [migration guide](https://abp.io/docs/latest/release-info/migration-guides/abp-9-0).



ABP.IO Platform 9.0 RC Has Been Published

Building Multi-Tenant ASP.NET Core Applications and ABP Framework | .NET Conf 2023

## An In-Depth Guide to Multitenant ASP.NET Core Application Development with the ABP Framework

### Introduction

Multitenant applications have become a standard architecture in enterprise software, offering scalability, cost efficiency, and streamlined maintenance. In this article, we'll delve into the essentials of multitenancy within the ASP.NET Core ecosystem, focusing on the capabilities of the ABP Framework. Through this guide, you'll gain insights from Alper—a co-founder of Volosoft, which specializes in frameworks and tools for .NET developers. Alper shares real-world experiences and implementation strategies to help you master multitenant development.

### What Is the ABP Framework?

The ABP Framework is an open-source, modular, and microservice-compatible framework built on ASP.NET Core. It provides a robust architecture for developing enterprise-level applications. Among its many features like exception handling, caching, and validation, it excels in multitenancy. This makes it an excellent choice for projects requiring data and application separation across multiple tenants.

### Advantages of Multitenancy

#### Cost Efficiency

Sharing hardware and software resources among customers significantly reduces costs. A single codebase and infrastructure mean that all tenants can receive updates and improvements simultaneously, streamlining maintenance.

#### Simplified Maintenance

Maintaining a solitary codebase and infrastructure minimizes the complexity of software updates, patches, and bug fixes. Developers and administrators find it easier to manage a unified system, reducing the potential for errors.

#### Scalability

The ability to quickly increase system resources by adding extra servers behind a load balancer facilitates better resource utilization and responsiveness to demand spikes.

#### Ease of Deployment

New tenants can be onboarded rapidly within the existing infrastructure. Adding a new tenant often involves merely inserting a new entry into the tenants table, making the process straightforward.

### Challenges of Multitenancy

#### Data Isolation

Ensuring proper data isolation is critical to prevent unauthorized access.

#### Customization

Clients may request customized applications, mandating different configurations and UI changes like logos and color schemes without compromising the core architecture.

#### Noisy Neighbors

The term "noisy neighbors" refers to tenants that heavily utilize system resources, potentially affecting the performance of other tenants. Monitoring and management are essential to mitigate this issue.

#### Security

A security breach can expose the data of multiple tenants. Hence, implementing robust security measures is crucial.

#### Backup and Recovery

Backing up and restoring data can be complex, especially if multiple tenants share the same database. Different tenants may also have distinct retention policies, necessitating varied backup strategies.

### Multitenant Deployment and Database Scenarios

#### On-Premise

This model is least suited for SaaS, where the application and database are deployed on the clients' infrastructure.

#### Shared Application, Separate Databases

While this model is better for resource utilization, it can be difficult to migrate all databases simultaneously.

#### Shared Application and Database

This is a cost-effective model ideal for SaaS, where both the application and database server are shared among tenants.

#### Hybrid Approach

This model allows for the separation of databases for specific clients, such as banks and government agencies, who require isolated environments.

### Managing Tenant Information

#### Identifying the Current Tenant

In the ABP Framework, there are multiple approaches to identify the active tenant:

1.  **Authentication Ticket:** Store the tenant ID in claims when a user logs in.
2.  **Query String:** Use URL parameters like tenant ID.
3.  **Route Data:** Embed the tenant ID or name in the URL.
4.  **HTTP Headers:** Useful for single-page applications and mobile clients.
5.  **Cookies:** Store the tenant ID similarly to HTTP headers.
6.  **Custom Domain/Subdomain:** Provide custom domains for tenants, which can be parsed from the request host value.

### Ensuring Data Isolation

Using tenant IDs across all queries can be error-prone. The ABP Framework provides an interface called `IMultiTenant` to automate this, ensuring tenant IDs are consistently managed. Global query filters in EF Core can also be used to define conditions automatically applied to all queries, enforcing isolation.

### Tenant Data Isolation with Interfaces and Global Filters

The ABP Framework leverages the `IMultiTenant` interface, making tenant ID a standard field across entities. Using EF Core's global query filters, tenant IDs are automatically handled, reducing the risk of human error. While this method is efficient, it may not support stored procedures or other ORMs.

### Setting the Tenant ID Automatically

The ABP Framework uses an abstract class called `Entity`. By setting the tenant ID in the framework using reflection, tenant information is auto-populated, eliminating manual intervention and potential errors.

### Connection String Selection

Managing multiple databases for tenants requires dynamic connection string selection. The ABP Framework maintains connection strings in a specific table. It first checks this table, then the microservices connection strings in the `appsettings.json` file, and finally falls back to the main application's connection string if neither of the first two options is available.

### Changing the Active Tenant

Sometimes you need to switch between tenants, such as for background jobs generating tenant-specific reports. The framework uses a disposable action to temporarily change the tenant context. This ensures that operations are performed for the correct tenant and the context is restored after the operation.

### Disabling Multitenancy

In certain scenarios, such as generating cumulative reports, you may need to disable multitenancy. The ABP Framework allows specific filters to be disabled, enabling you to query across all tenant data when necessary.

### Managing Database Migrations

Migrating databases in a multitenant application can be challenging. Approaches include:

1.  **Bulk Migration:** Migrating all tenant databases simultaneously. Though simple, this can be time-consuming and affect availability.
2.  **User-Triggered Migration:** Initiating migrations when a tenant's user logs in or accesses the system. This isolates the migration impact but introduces potential latency.
3.  **Staggered Rollout:** Maintain multiple application servers with different versions. Tenants are gradually migrated to the new version, improving availability and enabling AB testing.

### Conclusion

Multitenant applications are essential for modern, scalable, and efficient enterprise solutions. The ABP Framework in ASP.NET Core provides a robust foundation for developing such applications, from data isolation and dynamic connection management to seamless tenant migrations. By leveraging these tools and strategies, you can effectively manage and scale your multitenant applications, ensuring optimal performance and security for all tenants. For those interested in diving deeper, the ABP Framework's open-source resources are a valuable asset.





Mastering Multi-Tenancy in ASP.NET Core: Real-World Insights

## Workflow Engines allow to extend system functionality on the fly without code changes and deployment

**Elsa Core** is an open-source workflows library that can be used in any kind of .NET Core application. Using such a workflow library can be useful to implement business rules visually or programmatically.

![](/images/ElsaWorkflow%20\(1\).png)

Checkout step by step [guide](https://community.abp.io/articles/using-elsa-workflow-with-the-abp-framework-773siqi9?utm_source=Social\&utm_medium=Twitter\&utm_campaign=elsaworkflow\&s=09) how to use Elsa Workflow engine with ABP Framework.

Also, Visit [ABP.IO ](https://abp.io/?utm_source=Decisiontree.tech\&utm_medium=partner-referral)website for full list of features, Documentation and Training materials.

Our team of ABP.IO developers is available for development engagements. [Contact us](https://share.hsforms.com/12nUNCOeLR-igOtKjGM1Yigcyb5j) for free consultation.


Elsa Workflow with ABP Framework

Decision Tree Technology- ABP.IO Software Development Partner

ABP.IO Partner - Specializing in Cloud, Web, and Mobile Software Development using Microsoft technologies, ABP.IO, ASPNetBoilerplate, and Zero Frameworks. Expertise in ASP.NET Zero best practices, consulting, and development. Comprehensive support for ASP.NET Zero, including documentation, features, source code, and more. Proficient in ABP Commercial, ABP Framework, ABP Suite, and ABP application development. Offering tutorials, micro-services, domain-driven design (DDD), multi-tenancy, SignalR, and DTO best practices. Your go-to ABP application development company.

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Workflow Engines allow to extend system functionality on the fly without code changes and deployment

Recent posts

Layered vs Modular vs Microservices... Which One is Best for You?

ABP.IO Platform 9.0 RC Has Been Published

Mastering Multi-Tenancy in ASP.NET Core: Real-World Insights