In the quest to make apps more efficient and scalable, and to keep up with ever-changing customer demand, developers are always on the lookout for new architecture patterns. Finding new or better ways to build an app right from the start can make a huge difference in terms of scalability, maintainability, and efficiency. So what are some of the hottest trends in software architecture right now? Keep reading as we dive into what makes some of the best apps work so well.
What is software architecture?
Before diving into the latest trends around software architecture, it’s important to understand what it is. Simply put, it’s the organization of a system, including the system components, how they interact with each other, the environment in which they operate, and the principles used to design the software.
As we’ll dive into later in this article, software architecture is designed with a specific use case or goal in mind. For example, an app for ordering food will likely have a very different backend than a healthcare app. This is just one element that a developer takes into consideration when deciding on the right app architecture. Choosing the right behavior and structure of the software impacts many important decisions and outcomes so it’s critical that they’re chosen carefully and rendered appropriately to ensure the best results.
The latest trends in app design
With the continued popularity of apps, we’ve seen nearly every type of business release one to improve the customer experience. As a result, there’s an app for just about every need you can think of. Whether it’s a restaurant, retail, or ride sharing, there’s an app for that, and they all require different architectures. However, there are some backend systems that seem to prevail in popularity for software developers.
Let’s dive into just a few of them:
- Layered architecture: This concept is a simple one, and is most commonly used. By dividing an app into different layers, including modules and classes to perform similar tasks, you can achieve separation of concerns and domain logic, which makes tracking bugs, duplicates, and other maintenance issues much easier. Each layer has a pattern that serves a specific role and responsibility within the application. For example, a presentation layer would manage elements such as user interface and browser communication logic, while a business layer would execute specific business rules associated with the request. Examples of layered architecture include Presentation Layer, Logic Layer, Domain Layer, and Data Layer.
- Domain-driven design: This architecture allows you to organize the app structure to suit the business function it’s been designed for. In the context of app building, each domain represents a problem and that structure and language of software code – such as class methods, class names, and class variables – should match the business domain. For example, if a software processes loan applications, it might have classes like LoanApplication and Customer, and methods such as AcceptOffer and Withdraw.
- Hexagonal architecture: This particular design is also known as ports and adapters architecture and aims to put inputs and outputs at the edges of the design. This way, the central logic, or the core, of the app is isolated from external concerns. One advantage of using hexagonal architecture is that it makes it easier to test code by changing out fakes for testing, making the process more stable. Hexagonal architecture is a step away from layered architecture and allows the UI to be swapped out, one of the main reasons for the creation of hexagonal architecture.
Using the right architecture for the right project
As with most software, there is no one-size-fits-all solution so it’s important to decide how to use the right backend structure for your project. There is also no formula for figuring out which design will best suit an app and will depend on the project scope and requirements. For example, if your app is a large and complex one, using hexagonal architecture may be your best bet. Utilizing hexagonal architecture is not always an easy task and requires a lot of skill and time. But if it fits the needs of the project, it will pay off in the long run. However, if the app is smaller and less complex, a hexagonal design may not be worth the effort. Implementing only a few aspects of hexagonal architecture or choosing a layered design may be the best path forward.
Find a partner to guide you
If your business is looking to embark on a software development project, it may be best to partner with an experienced agency that can either lead the project for you, or act as a guide in decision making for elements such as software architecture. There are many trending designs out there – from hexagonal to layered to domain-driven design – and it’s paramount to understand how each design can impact your end product.
At AscentCore, our expert team provides end-to-end product development services including specialized expertise in a wide cross-section of industries and solutions. We sit at the nexus of deep vertical knowledge and comprehensive horizontal capabilities, empowering companies to disrupt, transform, accelerate, and scale. Partner with us today to create effective solutions to your biggest technology challenges and make your business goals a reality.
