International Journal of Computer Applications |
Foundation of Computer Science (FCS), NY, USA |
Volume 186 - Number 68 |
Year of Publication: 2025 |
Authors: Chandra Prakash |
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Chandra Prakash . Architectural Trade-Offs in Modulith Architecture: A Case Study on Dependency and Data Management in Rewards Systems. International Journal of Computer Applications. 186, 68 ( Feb 2025), 1-8. DOI=10.5120/ijca2025924504
As organizations increasingly shift towards microservices for scaling complex systems, challenges such as managing inter-service dependencies, efficient communication, and ensuring faster data access have emerged. This paper explores an alternative architectural approach, the Modular Monolith or Modulith architecture, for building a highly interdependent online rewards system. Through a case study of the system’s development, this research examines the advantages of encapsulating business domains within modular components deployed in a unified, monolithic code base to optimize inter-service communication, performance, and data access. The study highlights the architectural tradeoffs, focusing on the ease of managing dependencies and improving data flow across tightly coupled services. Preliminary results from the implementation indicate significant improvements over a traditional monolith or microservicesbased architecture, reduced complexity, and simplified deployment processes. This research contributes insights into the suitability of modular monolith architecture for high-demand, dataintensive applications and offers guidance for organizations considering alternatives to microservices for similar use cases.