Using architectural modifiability tactics to examine evolution qualities of Service- and Microservice-Based Systems: An approach based on principles and patterns

Justus Bogner, Stefan Wagner, Alfred Zimmermann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Software evolvability is an important quality attribute, yet one difficult to grasp. A certain base level of it is allegedly provided by Service- and Microservice-Based Systems, but many software professionals lack systematic understanding of the reasons and preconditions for this. We address this issue via the proxy of architectural modifiability tactics. By qualitatively mapping principles and patterns of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Microservices onto tactics and analyzing the results, we cannot only generate insights into service-oriented evolution qualities, but can also provide a modifiability comparison of the two popular service-based architectural styles. The results suggest that both SOA and Microservices possess several inherent qualities beneficial for software evolution. While both focus strongly on loose coupling and encapsulation, there are also differences in the way they strive for modifiability (e.g. governance vs. evolutionary design). To leverage the insights of this research, however, it is necessary to find practical ways to incorporate the results as guidance into the software development process.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)141-149
Number of pages9
JournalSoftware-Intensive Cyber-Physical Systems
Volume34
Issue number2-3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jun 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Architectural tactics
  • Microservices
  • Modifiability
  • Patterns
  • Service-Based Systems
  • SOA

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