How can you use bounded contexts to integrate subdomains in software design?

1 Identify subdomains

The first step is to identify the subdomains that are relevant to your business domain and the problems you are trying to solve. You can use techniques such as event storming, value chain analysis, or stakeholder interviews to discover the subdomains and their relationships. You should aim to identify the core subdomain, which is the most essential and strategic part of your business domain, the supporting subdomains, which provide capabilities that support the core subdomain, and the generic subdomains, which are common and not specific to your business domain.

2 Define bounded contexts

The next step is to define the bounded contexts for each subdomain. A bounded context is a logical boundary that isolates a subdomain from other subdomains and defines its own language, models, and rules. A bounded context should have a clear and explicit name that reflects its purpose and scope, such as Order Management, Inventory Management, or Customer Service. A bounded context should also have a clear and explicit boundary that defines what is inside and outside of it, and how it interacts with other bounded contexts.

3 Implement bounded contexts

The third step is to implement the bounded contexts in code. There are different ways to implement a bounded context, depending on the size, complexity, and autonomy of the subdomain. For example, you can implement a bounded context as a microservice, a module, a package, or a class. The important thing is to ensure that the code reflects the language, models, and rules of the bounded context, and that it is consistent and cohesive within the boundary.

4 Integrate bounded contexts

The final step is to integrate the bounded contexts with each other. There are different ways to integrate bounded contexts, depending on the level of coupling, consistency, and collaboration between them. For example, you can integrate bounded contexts by using RESTful APIs, messaging, events, or shared databases. The important thing is to ensure that the integration respects the boundaries and the autonomy of the bounded contexts, and that it does not introduce unnecessary dependencies or conflicts.

By using bounded contexts, you can integrate subdomains in software design in a way that aligns with the business domain and the domain language, and that enables modularity, scalability, and maintainability of your software. Bounded contexts are not easy to design and implement, but they can provide significant benefits for your software design and development process.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?