Building Modular Monoliths With Kotlin and Spring | The Kotlin Blog

The tutorial explores the concept of modular monoliths as a balanced architectural approach that combines the simplicity of single-unit deployment with the structural benefits of modular design. Unlike traditional tightly coupled monoliths or the complexity of microservices, modular monoliths organize applications into distinct modules based on logical boundaries or business domains, allowing for independent development and maintainability. Using Kotlin and Spring Modulith, developers can implement this architecture by defining clear interfaces and employing tools for module verification, testing, and observability. The guide highlights the advantages of modular monoliths, such as simplified deployment and reliable testing, while acknowledging scenarios where they may not be suitable, such as systems with independent scaling needs or diverse tech stacks. The approach is particularly beneficial in early-stage development or complex business domains, offering a path to evolve into microservices if necessary.