Published on October 26th, 2023
Imagine the artistic design of an edifice where form meets function and engineering excellence can be seen in the sky. Within the realm of computer software, architectural patterns function as the architect’s compass, leading the creation of reliable and durable systems.
Software architecture patterns provide reused designs for a variety of situations that offer many benefits including increased efficiency, productivity, speed, cost reduction, and more efficient plan.
A notable instance of an architecture that has been a successful design is Amazon. Amazon made use of an event-driven architecture to initiate actions and manage the synchronous communication between its services.
This strategy helped Amazon to develop loosely coupled systems that can handle massive traffic and react immediately to changes in the event of an incident.
To help you choose the best design for your project, we’ve compiled and compiled ten software architectural design patterns on this blog.
Simform is among the most renowned custom software development company that aids clients of different industries develop high-quality solutions that fit their needs. Contact us for a consultation on technology and access the expertise of our industry experts today.
What are software architecture patterns ?
A pattern for architecture is collection of architectural design principles which address design issues that are frequently encountered in various contexts of software development. It provides rules and guidelines to manage interactions between the predefined subsystems as well as their functions.
Although an architectural design is a sketch or sketch of your computer, it’s still not the actual structure. It’s more of a concept that aids in understanding the components of software architecture. There could be many different elements of architecture that follow the same design. That’s why patterns are described by the term “strictly described and commonly utilized.” The effectiveness of the system relies on the selection of the software architecture.
Famous examples of architectural patterns are microservices, message bus, service requester/ consumer, MVC pattern, MVVM, microkernel, n-tier, domain-driven design components, and presentation-abstraction-control.
What is the significance of software architecture patterns?
Software architecture patterns are of great significance as they are able to solve a variety of issues across different areas. For instance, instead of relying on one server, the most complex requests of users can be divided into smaller pieces and distributed over multiple servers. For another example, testing procedures can be made simpler by splitting different parts of the software, instead of testing all the software all at once.
Here are a few additional reasons for why the patterns of software architecture are essential for every software application:
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Defining Basic Characteristics of an Application:
Understanding each architecture’s unique characteristics, strengths and weaknesses is essential in choosing the appropriate one that will meet your business goals. It’s been proven that architectural patterns can aid in defining an application’s fundamental features and behavior. For instance, certain architecture patterns are suitable to build highly scalable apps, and others are ideal for applications that are agile.
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Maintaining Quality and Efficiency:
It is likely that any software you develop could be subject to issues with quality. In accordance with the quality of your software development the choice of an architecture design can reduce quality issues while ensuring efficiency.
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Providing Agility:
It is normal that software applications undergo many changes and iterations throughout software development, and sometimes even after the application is released. Thus, establishing a basic software architecture in advance gives flexibility for the application and facilitates future moderations.
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Problem Solving:
The prior planning and knowledge of software architecture provide an understanding of how the software and its components will work. With a solid foundation the team developing the application can follow the most effective methods to solve complicated processes and avoid issues that may arise to be found in the future.
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Enhancing Productivity:
Whatever skills and the knowledge one has of the programming language framework, application or framework it is essential to follow some common ground rules. When an appropriate application pattern is established, the organization is able to quickly understand the status of the project. Furthermore, productivity levels increase when an architecture pattern is established to define the scope of the project.
Software architecture patterns vs. design pattern
There’s a thin line that separates architecture patterns and design that is why a lot of people are lost between these two. Let’s take a look at your team that is given the project to build a home and live there.
To begin the task it is necessary to draw up a plan before putting bricks and concrete on the surface. In addition, once a house has been designed it is not enough to make it a worthwhile place to live and they will require the basic necessities like kitchen appliances, bedding toiletries, beddings, and more. In this way, the way the house will look is a reflection of architectural designs, while the design of the interior illustrates the patterns of design.
In software systems, the architecture is the main consideration when you are required to develop databases, business logic, the user interface and so on. While software design patterns are utilized when creating database logic or business logic.
Different kinds of software architecture patterns
Let’s talk about a few of the most well-known design patterns which have assisted numerous software companies to expand their operations:
1. Layered Architecture Pattern
There’s a good chance you’ve heard of multi-layered architecture, also known as tiered or n-tier architecture. The concept has gained a lot of traction with software designers and programmers alike due to its similarities with the traditional arrangements of IT communications across a variety of companies, both established and new. A layered architecture typically is divided in four layers: presentation business persistence, persistence, and database However, the pattern does not have to be restricted to specific layers, and it could also include an application layer or a service layer, or a the layer for data access. Popular frameworks such as Java EE utilized this architecture pattern.
Let’s suppose a software engineer is developing an application that is large, and you have employed the four layers of the architecture you chose to use. On the other hand, small companies can mix the business and layers of persistence into one unit, particularly when the latter function as an integral component of the components of the business logic layer.
This pattern is distinct since each layer performs its own role within the application, and is marked as closed. It means that any request must go through the layer beneath it in order to move on to the layer below. Another of its ideas is the concept of layers of isolation. It allows you to change components in one layer without impacting the other layers.
To simplify the process we will look at an example of an eCommerce website application. The business logic that is required to run an activity related to shopping carts for example, like the calculation of the amount of money that is purchased, is transferred from the application tier to the presentation layer. The application tier functions to act as an interface layer in order to create a seamless connection between the presentation and data layers. The final layer can be described as the data layer, which is used to store data on its own without the involvement from the app server or its business logic.
Usage:
- Applications that need to be created quickly.
- Enterprise applications that need conventional IT processes and departments.
- Ideal for teams with novice developers who have no experience or experience with architecture patterns.
- Applications that must meet strict standards for maintenance and testing.
Shortcomings:
- Modules and source code that are not organized that have no clear roles could be a challenge in the software.
- The mistake of skipping layers prior to creating tight coupling could result in an unintentional mess of intricate interdependencies.
- Modifications to the basic application may need a complete redeployment of the program.
2. Event-driven Architecture Pattern
If you’re looking for an architectural pattern that is nimble and extremely efficient, then you should consider an event-driven architectural pattern. It is composed of single-purpose, decoupled event processing elements that are able to asynchronously process events. This arrangement orchestrates the actions about the creation as well as the detection and utilization of events as well as the responses they generate.
The architectural style of event-driven architecture includes two different topologies namely brokers and mediators. A mediator is employed for situations where multiple steps need to be orchestrated in an event bus by the central mediator. However the broker can be employed to connect events without utilizing an intermediary central to the process.
One good example of event-driven architecture is an online shopping website. The event-driven architecture allows the site to respond to a variety of sources in times when there is a high need. It also prevents crashes of the website or over-provisioning of resources.
Usage:
- For cases where individual blocks of data communicate with the modules of a handful.
- Aids in the use of user interfaces.
Shortcomings:
- Testing of individual modules is only possible when they are independently tested and, if not, they have to be tested within an operating system.
- When multiple modules are able to handle the same events, handling errors is difficult to organize.
- The creation of a system-wide information structure for events could be difficult if the events are based on different requirements.
- The process of maintaining a transaction-based system to ensure consistency can be a challenge when you have independent and decoupled modules.
3. Microkernel Architecture Pattern
The architecture pattern comprises two different types of components namely the core system as well as several plug-in modules. The core component operates only with minimal functions to ensure that the system is operational The plug-in modules are separate components that have special processing.
If we consider an application for business from a perspective the core system could be described as general business logic that does not require customized code required for specific instances, specific rules or more complex conditional processes. However plug-in modules are intended to expand the capabilities of the system’s core capabilities to provide additional capabilities for business.
If we take the example of a task-scheduler software, the microkernel has all the required logic for scheduling and triggering tasks, whereas the plug-ins are able to perform specific tasks. If the plug-ins conform to an API that is predefined and the microkernel is able to initiate them without having to be aware of the details of implementation.
Usage:
- Applications that show a clear distinction between routines that are basic in addition to higher-order rules.
- Applications with an established set of core routines and a dynamic set of rules which require frequent changes.
Shortcoming:
- The plugins need to have a good handshake code to ensure that the microkernel knows about the plugin’s installation and is in a position to perform its duties.
- It is nearly impossible if many plugins are dependent on it.
- It can be challenging to determine the appropriate granularity of the kernel prior to and it becomes more complicated in the later stage.
4. Microservices Architecture Pattern
The microservices architecture pattern is viewed as an alternative to monolithic software and service-oriented architectures. The components are implemented as distinct units via an efficient and simplified delivery pipeline. The advantages of this pattern are increased scaling and a higher degree of decoupling within the app.
Due to its decoupled and independent features it is possible to access the components via a remote access protocol. Furthermore, the same components can be developed separately, deployed, tested, and deployed independently of any other component of the service.
Netflix is among the first to adopt the microservice architecture. The design enabled engineers to be part of small teams accountable for the complete creation that included thousands of microservices. The microservices collaborate to stream entertainment digitally for thousands of Netflix customers each day.
Usage:
- Web-based applications and business which demand rapid improvement.
- Websites that have small elements, centers for data that have clearly defined boundaries and remote teams around the world.
Shortcoming:
- Finding the ideal level of granularity needed for the service component is an obstacle.
- None of the applications include tasks that could be divided into distinct units.
- Performance is affected by the fact the tasks are distributed over multiple microservices.
5. Space-Based Architecture Pattern
The concept of tuple spaces – the concept of shared memory distributed across multiple devices is the underlying name of this system. The space-based pattern consists of two main components: the processing unit and the virtualized middleware.
The processing unit houses a portion of application components, which include web-based elements and the backend logic. Although smaller web-based applications can be run in one processing unit, the more complex applications may split the functions into several processing units in order to prevent functional collapse. Furthermore, the virtualized-middleware component contains elements that control various aspects of data synchronization and request handling. They are able to be written by a custom writer or purchased through third-party vendors.
A bidding auction website could be regarded as an appropriate model of this type of architecture. It works because it receives bids from online users via the browser’s request. After receiving the request the site records the bid, along with its time stamp, then updates the details of the most recent bid and then sends the information back for the user to view.
Usage:
- Software and applications that operate with a huge user base and an ongoing demand for services.
- Applications designed to deal with concurrency and scalability problems.
Shortcoming:
- It’s a challenging job to keep the data in a way that speeds up its speed, without affecting the multiple copies.
6. Client-Server Architecture Pattern
The pattern of a client-server architecture can be classified as an distributed software structure with two primary elements namely a client as well as server. This structure facilitates interaction between clients and server, which could be on an identical network. Clients request particular resources that need to be downloaded from the server. These may include information, content files, etc. The server detects the request received and responds to the client accordingly by delivering those requested items.
The functions of a client and server are an illustration of programs that communicate with one another in an application. The architecture is extremely flexible, as servers can be used to provide many clients and a single client can utilize multiple servers. Servers can be classified based on the resources or services they offer, regardless of their performance.
Email is a notable illustration of a model created by using the pattern of client-server. If a client/user seeks out a specific mail, the server searches at the resources available and forwards the requested email to the client/user. This helps to enhance the user experience.
Usage:
- Applications such as email as well as online banking services on access to the World Wide Web, network printing, file sharing apps, games apps, etc.
- Apps that are focused on real-time services such as telecom apps are constructed using an application structure that is distributed.
- Applications that require restricted access and provide multiple services for large numbers of clients.
- A program that has centralized services and resources that needs to be distributed across multiple servers.
Shortcomings:
- Incompatible server capacity could slow down the server, creating the performance to suffer.
- Servers are typically susceptible to one point of failure.
- Modifying patterns is a difficult and costly process.
- Maintenance of servers can be a difficult and costly task.
7. Master-Slave Architecture Pattern
Imagine a database that receives several similar requests simultaneously. Naturally, processing each request simultaneously could cause delays and a lot of confusion in the process of application. One solution is to use a master-slave pattern that works with master databases launching several slave components that process requests swiftly.
As the name suggests, the master-slave structure pattern could be described as a master distributing duties to his slaves. When the slaves have completed their task, the distributed tasks are collated by the master, and then displayed in the form of.
It is imperative to remember that the master has complete control and authority over the slave components, as well as determining their communications and priorities. What makes this system distinct is the fact that all slaves are able to process requests at the same time and provide results simultaneously. This also means that slave’s operations will remain incomplete until each slave has reported the results back to their master.
This is a good choice for applications that are broken down into smaller parts to execute similar requests. One example of this is the database application which requires the use of heavy multitasking as its main component.
Usage:
- Design of Operating Systems that may require the use of a multiprocessor compatible architecture.
- Advanced applications in which large services must be broken down into smaller pieces.
- Applications that process raw data are stored on various servers on the internet in a distributed network.
- Web browsers that use multithreading to boost their responsiveness.
Shortcomings:
- A failure in the master part could result in the loss of data, if there isn’t a backup of both slave and master components.
- Dependencies within the system could result in a breakdown in the components that are slaves.
- There is a possibility of an increased overhead expenses due to the insular nature of slave components.
8. Pipe-Filter Architecture Pattern
A pipe-filter pattern processes streams of data in a single direction. The components are called filters and pipes connect the filters. The process chain is created when pipes transfer information to the filters and the output of one filter will be an input for the subsequent filter. The purpose of this structure is to split significant processes into separate and distinct components which can be processed concurrently.
The pipe-filter design is suitable for programs that deal with data within streams via web services. It can be used to create simple sequences or complex structures. Compilers can be regarded as an appropriate example of this design pattern as each filter performs lexical analysis and parsing, semantic analysis along with code generation.
Usage:
- It is a great tool to create applications that allow for simple, one-way processing of data and transformation.
- Applications that use tools such as Electronic Data Interchange and External Dynamic List.
- Development of data compilers to check syntax and error-checking.
- For advanced functions in Operating Systems such as UNIX that require the input and output of programs are linked in a series.
Shortcomings:
- There is a possibility of losing data between filters in the event that the infrastructure design isn’t trustworthy.
- The most slow filter can limit the efficiency and performance of the whole system.
- When data is transferred between filters the overhead cost of data transformation could rise.
- The constant transformational nature of the architecture renders it less user-friendly for systems that interact.
9. Broker Architecture Pattern
The broker pattern is utilized to structure distributed systems using components that are decoupled. Through the use of remote service, the components are able to communicate with each other in broker architectural patterns. Additionally, the broker is accountable for all the coordination and communication between the components.
Servers, clients and brokers are the three main elements of the pattern of brokers. A broker is typically going to be able to access all features and services associated with the particular server. When customers request an item from a broker, the agent will redirect clients to the appropriate service category to further proceed.
One of the major advantages of this pattern is the way it handles processes, like changes, additions, deletions or relocation, that are related with objects, in an adaptive way. Lastly, this architecture pattern separates all communication-related code into layers from the application, allowing applications to run on distributed or single computers. Due to these advantages the broker architecture has become widely used.
Usage:
- Software used in message broker applications like Apache ActiveMQ, Apache Kafka, RabbitMQ, and JBoss Messaging.
- To structure distributed systems with decoupled components.
Shortcomings:
- A weak fault tolerance capacity.
- Standardization of the service description is required.
- The hidden layer could affect the software’s performance.
- A higher latency demands more effort to deploy.
10. Peer-to-Peer Architecture Pattern
In the architecture pattern of peer-to-peer the components are referred to as peers. Peers can be an agent, a client or both, and alter its roles dynamically with time. As the customer, the peer may seek out services from peers. As server, peers is able to provide services to its peers. The major difference between peer-to-peer and client-server systems is that the computers in the network have a lot of authority, and there is no need for a centralized server. The capacity of the network increases as the number of computer systems join in the network.
A great illustration of a peer-to-peer architecture design is file sharing networks such as Skype, BitTorrent, and Napster. In BitTorrent peer-to, peer-to-peer technology is used to share files and data on websites in a decentralized manner. Through this protocol, users can transfer large audio and video files with ease. In Skype you make use of the VoIP P2P architecture to make a phone call or communicate via text message to a different user. In this way you can utilize peer-to-peer technology for file sharing as well as collaboration, messaging as well as other things.
Usage:
- File-sharing networks like Gnutella as well as G2.
- Blockchain and Bitcoin are products based on cryptocurrency, for example Bitcoin or Blockchain.
- Multimedia services like P2PTV as well as PDTP.
Shortcomings:
- There is no guarantee of high-quality service.
- It is difficult to ensure security that is robust.
- Performance is based upon the amount of devices connected to the internet.
- It is not possible to save folders or files.
- There may be a need for a specific interface to access the file.
Analyzing the different kind of software architecture patterns
We have been able to learn about the various types of architectural patterns. Which one would you pick for your software? It is essential to choose the best option.
Do you need to employ an architect for software?
According to me, the term “Architect” must be a senior programmer. If you have an architect who has no programming skills and a few programmers who don’t understand the fundamentals of architecture could spell failure in software firms. Modern software requires rapid thinking and a uniform basis that will provide solid foundations to the software. The software architecture pattern provides the foundation for a long-term vision based on solutions. goals in both the application that is being considered and for the company.
The collaboration with engineers who have an understanding of architecture can help uncover the gaps within team structure, provide an effective education, and aid in expansion of the company. Simform is a company that has a strong foundation of knowledge. We have experienced engineers who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the adoption of the best architecture for software development. Our consulting services have assisted companies in implementing the correct design for their software.
How iTechnolabs Can Help You Implement 10 Essential Software Architecture Patterns
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, software architecture plays a crucial role in the success of any software project. Well-designed software architecture ensures scalability, maintainability, and performance. However, choosing the right architecture pattern and implementing it effectively can be a daunting task. That’s where iTechnolabs comes into play. In this article, we will explore 10 software architecture patterns that are essential to building robust and scalable software solutions, and how iTechnolabs can assist you in implementing them effectively.
- Layered Architecture
Layered architecture, also known as n-tier architecture, divides a software system into multiple layers, each responsible for specific tasks. This separation of concerns enhances modularity and maintainability. iTechnolabs can help you design and implement a layered architecture that organizes your software into presentation, business logic, and data access layers. This separation allows for easy modifications and updates to individual layers without affecting the entire system.
- Microservices Architecture
Microservices architecture decomposes a monolithic application into a collection of small, independently deployable services. iTechnolabs specializes in microservices development, helping you design and build these services to improve scalability, fault tolerance, and development speed. Our expertise ensures that your microservices communicate effectively and maintain high availability.
- Event-Driven Architecture
Event-driven architecture relies on asynchronous communication between loosely coupled components. iTechnolabs can help you implement event-driven systems that respond to events and messages, enabling real-time processing and scalability. Whether you need message brokers like Kafka or RabbitMQ or custom event-driven solutions, we have the expertise to make it work for your application.
- Model-View-Controller (MVC)
The Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern separates an application into three interconnected components: Model, View, and Controller. iTechnolabs can assist you in building scalable and maintainable web applications using MVC, ensuring clean separation of concerns and facilitating future enhancements and modifications.
- Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)
Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) involves the creation of reusable services that can be consumed by different applications. iTechnolabs can help you design, implement, and manage these services, enabling seamless integration and collaboration between various software components and systems.
- Hexagonal Architecture
Hexagonal architecture, also known as Ports and Adapters, emphasizes the independence of an application’s core logic from its external dependencies. iTechnolabs can guide you in implementing this architecture, ensuring that your core business logic remains decoupled from external frameworks, databases, and UIs, leading to more maintainable and testable code.
- Repository Pattern
The Repository pattern abstracts the data access layer from the rest of the application. iTechnolabs can assist you in implementing this pattern to manage data storage, retrieval, and manipulation effectively. We can help you create repositories that interface with databases or external APIs, improving data management and testability.
- Singleton Pattern
The Singleton pattern restricts the instantiation of a class to a single instance, ensuring global access to that instance. iTechnolabs can help you implement singletons where needed, such as in managing configuration settings or shared resources, ensuring consistency and preventing unintended resource duplication.
- Observer Pattern
The Observer pattern allows objects to subscribe to changes in another object, maintaining a one-to-many relationship between them. iTechnolabs can help you implement this pattern to create reactive systems, where changes in one component trigger updates in others. This is particularly useful for real-time applications and user interfaces.
- Dependency Injection
Dependency Injection (DI) is a technique for passing dependencies to a class rather than having the class create them. iTechnolabs can assist you in implementing DI to improve the testability and maintainability of your software. We can guide you in setting up dependency injection containers and frameworks like Spring or .NET Core’s built-in DI container.
Are you looking for the best company to develop software architecture patterns?
In today’s competitive software landscape, choosing the right architecture pattern and implementing it effectively is essential for the success of your projects. iTechnolabs specializes in helping you design and implement these 10 essential software architecture patterns and more. Our expertise ensures that your software solutions are scalable, maintainable, and robust, meeting the evolving needs of your business and users.
Whether you need assistance with microservices, event-driven systems, or any of the other architectural patterns discussed in this article, iTechnolabs has the experience and knowledge to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to explore how we can help you achieve software architecture excellence and take your projects to the next level.
