Comparative Analysis between Monolithic and Microservice Architecture Based on Web Streaming Applications

This research paper conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis of monolithic and microservices architectures for web applications, with a specific focus on a streaming web application implemented in both architectural styles. This paper compares fault tolerance, throughput, scalability, and response time for both architectures through empirical research under the same conditions. Our approach was to implement a streaming web application in both styles and then extensively compare the performance with quantitative measures. The results proved that microservices architectures are superior compared to monolithic architectures if high scalability and dynamic load balancing are required for very demanding front-end-based web applications. Finally, this performance edge is attributed to the decentralized management of services and data by Microservices Architecture, allowing finer resource utilization and independent scalability of services. Further, our discussion covers architectural implications for development cycles, operational complexity, and maintenance costs. The paper extends the ongoing discussion in software engineering on the strategic selection of architectural paradigms by providing insights into helping developers and organizations maintain alignment between architecture and ever-changing business needs and technological landscapes.