Understanding Key Software Architecture Patterns: A Brief Review

Knowing the specifics of architecture patterns is, undoubtedly, a necessary thing enabling developers to create maintainable and scalable systems that are easy to manage and navigate. Architecture patterns that we will discuss further have been tried and tested over time; however, even though they imply a proven structure, they also possess a degree of flexibility, allowing companies to adapt to tendencies and changing requirements of the market.?

Thus, let us proceed to consider four primary architecture patterns, their benefits, weak points and underlying features.

4 architecture patterns to pay attention to in 2025

1. Layered architecture

As the name suggests, this type of architecture encompasses separate layers that can be modified or scaled independently. This feature also makes updates easier and smoother; you can test different layers separately. Typically, the layered architecture contains four layers:?

• Presentation layer (user experience and user interface);
• Business layer (the core functionality of the solution);
• Persistence layer (saving and retrieving your data, ensuring efficient communication with the database);
• Database layer (storage of data that can be adjusted to your needs.?

Weak points:?

• As requests are sent to each layer, it may result in delays and performance overhead.
• There is a risk of over-engineering, which makes the system too complex to use effectively.?

This architecture pattern is oftentimes utilised for enterprise-level applications and other solutions that involve strict separation of responsibilities.?

? ? ? ? 2. Client-server?

This architecture comprises the front-end component (client), which communicates with the user directly, and the back-end component (server), which responds to the client's requests. Among the strengths of this pattern is centralised control, which allows data to be securely stored on the server side, and the solution's scalability when more and more clients interact with it.?

Weak points:?

• The entire system's performance can be disturbed if your server is overloaded.?
• If the solution goes down, it impacts the experience of each client.

Client-server architectures are frequently applied to online banking applications and other solutions that require enhanced data security.?

? ? ? ?3. Microservices?

Microservices architecture pattern is distinctive by a collection of smaller services that are independent of each other. Usually, services interact with each other via lightweight protocols. One advantage of the system is that it can be easily scaled if needed, and the development speed can be improved as developers can work on separate services simultaneously.?

Weak points:?

• Interactions between different services may cause delays.?
• It can be challenging to come up with the right size for every service.?

Developers turn to microservices if the project demands frequent scaling and updates.?

? ? ? ?4. Event-driven?

In the case of applying event-driven architecture, the performance will be determined by the clicks of users or sensor outputs. The structure of such solutions encompasses:?

• event producers (clicks, motions, etc);
• event consumers (programs that respond to the abovementioned actions)
• event channels (pathways for transmitting events)
• event processors (components that execute business logic).?

Event-driven systems perfectly deal with high traffic; certain components of these solutions can be easily modified or removed if necessary.?

Weak points:

• It can be complicated to maintain all the data consistently and effectively.
• Since the flow of control is non-linear, debudding requires additional effort.?

Even-driven architecture is a solid foundation for real-time applications, e.g. health monitoring solutions or social media platforms.?

If you plan to develop an innovative and robust solution but are unsure which architecture pattern best suits your business needs, contact the PNN Soft team for expert consultancy.