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Donne Martin 2017-02-28 05:01:15 -08:00
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@ -845,3 +845,40 @@ Additional benefits include:
* [NGINX architecture](https://www.nginx.com/blog/inside-nginx-how-we-designed-for-performance-scale/)
* [HAProxy architecture guide](http://www.haproxy.org/download/1.2/doc/architecture.txt)
* [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_proxy)
## Application layer
<p align="center">
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/yB5SYwm.png">
<br/>
<i><a href=http://lethain.com/introduction-to-architecting-systems-for-scale/#platform_layer>Source: Intro to architecting systems for scale</a></i>
</p>
Separating out the web layer from the application layer (also known as platform layer) allows you to scale and configure both layers independently. Adding a new API results in adding application servers without necessarily adding additional web servers.
The **single responsibility principle** advocates for small and autonomous services that work together. Small teams with small services can plan more aggressively for rapid growth.
Workers in the application layer also help enable [asynchronism](#asynchronism).
### Microservices
Related to this discussion are [microservices](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microservices), which can be described as a suite of independently deployable, small, modular services. Each service runs a unique process and communicates through a well-definied, lightweight mechanism to serve a business goal. <sup><a href=https://smartbear.com/learn/api-design/what-are-microservices>1</a></sup>
Pinterest, for example, could have the following microservices: user profile, follower, feed, search, photo upload, etc.
### Service Discovery
Systems such as [Zookeeper](http://www.slideshare.net/sauravhaloi/introduction-to-apache-zookeeper) can help services find each other by keeping track of registered names, addresses, ports, etc.
### Disadvantage(s): application layer
* Adding an application layer with loosely coupled services requires a different approach from an architectural, operations, and process viewpoint (vs a monolithic system).
* Microservices can add complexity in terms of deployments and operations.
### Source(s) and further reading
* [Intro to architecting systems for scale](http://lethain.com/introduction-to-architecting-systems-for-scale)
* [Crack the system design interview](http://www.puncsky.com/blog/2016/02/14/crack-the-system-design-interview/)
* [Service oriented architecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service-oriented_architecture)
* [Introduction to Zookeeper](http://www.slideshare.net/sauravhaloi/introduction-to-apache-zookeeper)
* [Here's what you need to know about building microservices](https://cloudncode.wordpress.com/2016/07/22/msa-getting-started/)