Essential Software Architecture Patterns: A Comprehensive Guide

Layered Architecture (N-Tier)

Organizes code by technical concerns:

• Presentation layer (UI)
• Business logic layer
• Persistence layer

Challenge: Tight coupling between layers and infrastructure often creates maintenance bottlenecks.

Pipeline Architecture

Processes data through sequential stages:

• Common in Unix-style utilities
• Output of one component feeds into the next
• Ideal for data transformation workflows

Microkernel Architecture

Centers on a core system with plug-in extensions:

• Core handles fundamental operations
• Plugins add specialized functionality
• Common in extensible commercial software

Service-Based Architecture

Decomposes applications into discrete services:

• Services own specific capabilities
• May share UI/database or have dedicated resources
• Scales between monolithic and distributed systems

Orchestration Model

• Central controller manages workflow sequence
• Explicit process visibility
• Simpler debugging but single point of control

Choreography Model

• Decentralized event handlers
• Workflow emerges from event interactions
• High flexibility but complex troubleshooting

Domain-Centric Architectures

(Clean/Onion/Hexagonal)

• Layered architecture evolution
• Dependencies flow toward domain layer
• Decouples business logic from infrastructure

Vertical Slice Architecture

• Organizes by feature rather than technical layer
• Colocates all components for a feature (UI, logic, data)
• Reduces cross-cutting dependencies

Modular Monolith

Service-based architecture refinement:

• Thin host application loads independent modules
• Modules can internally use Clean or Vertical Slice patterns
• Balances microservice benefits with simpler deployment