In software development, new trends are constantly emerging, and one that’s gaining momentum is Composable Architecture, or as we like to call it, Smart Build. To get a deeper understanding of this approach, we sat down with Willem, an expert at icapps, to discuss what Composable Architecture is, why it's becoming such a popular choice, and how it's changing how we approach software custom development.
Willem, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is Composable Architecture, and how does it differ from traditional software architectures?
Great question! Composable Architecture is a modular system made up of smaller, independent components. Each of these components can either be custom-built or sourced from existing solutions. Some foundational elements are already available on our icapps shelf, ready to be used. The beauty of this approach is that the components follow specific standards, which means you can reuse, swap, or upgrade them without affecting the entire system. Unlike traditional monolithic architectures, where everything is tightly interwoven, Composable Architecture allows for flexibility and scalability. You can update one piece without disrupting the whole system.
That sounds like a game-changer! So, why is this flexibility and modularity such a big deal for companies today?
Flexibility and modularity are essential because they reduce development time and risk. In traditional architecture, if you need to make an update, you have to touch the whole system. This can lead to longer downtime and higher costs. Composable Architecture allows updates to be made to individual components, which makes the entire process smoother and faster. As a result, companies can launch products quickly and respond to customer feedback in real time. It’s all about staying agile and competitive in a fast-paced market.
That makes a lot of sense. Can you tell us more about the key principles of Composable Architecture? What makes this approach so effective?
Sure! Three main principles drive Composable Architecture: modularity, reusability, and loose coupling.
Modularity: Each component is responsible for its own function, and it can exist independently. So, if you need to change something, you don’t have to overhaul the whole system. You can add, remove, or modify components as needed.
Reusability: One of the biggest benefits of Composable Architecture is the reuse of components across multiple projects. For example, each application's login form may look different, but its core functionality stays the same. This means developers don’t need to rebuild the same features repeatedly, saving time and resources.
Loose coupling: In a composable system, components are designed to operate independently of each other. This reduces dependencies, making updates and maintenance much easier. However, it’s important to ensure that each component interacts smoothly with others. It’s not a shortcut—careful planning is still crucial.
Those principles sound like they offer major advantages. How do you see Composable Architecture shaping the future of software development?
Composable Architecture will play an even bigger role as software development evolves. As the demand for specialized solutions in areas like security, scalability, and accessibility increases, composable systems are becoming more attractive. The rise of SaaS platforms makes integrating specialized services easier, further enhancing these systems' flexibility. Companies want solutions that are both tailored to their needs and easy to scale, and Smart Build offers that.
You mentioned earlier that Composable Architecture is about reducing risk and time-to-market. Could you elaborate on that?
Definitely, one of the key benefits of Composable Architecture is that it allows companies to experiment and innovate without starting from scratch every time. If you need to build a minimum viable product (MVP), you can focus on the most critical features and use existing services or components for the rest. This speeds up the process, reduces costs, and lets you gather user feedback sooner. As your project grows, you can easily scale by adding new components without disrupting the overall system.
It sounds like Composable Architecture has a lot of potential to save resources. How does it compare to traditional and microservices architectures?
That’s a great question. While both monolithic and microservices architectures have their advantages, Composable Architecture addresses some of their limitations.
In monolithic architectures, all the code is tightly integrated. Making updates to one part of the system often requires changes to the entire system, which can be costly and time-consuming. Composable Architecture’s modularity allows for faster updates and better resource allocation.
Microservicesarchitectures share similarities with Composable Architecture in that they both emphasize independent components. However, microservices can be more complex, especially when it comes to managing service boundaries and communication. Composable Architecture simplifies this by focusing on easy-to-implement, plug-and-play components, making it a better fit for projects that don’t require the full complexity of microservices.
One of the major benefits of Composable Architecture is its cost-effectiveness, especially in the early stages of development. Companies can quickly build prototypes by using off-the-shelf components and combining them with custom code. This means they can get products to market faster and gather user feedback early. Plus, ongoing maintenance costs are lower. Instead of overhauling the entire system, you only need to update or replace individual components.
Sounds like Composable Architecture is the way to go, but are there any challenges companies should be aware of?
Like any approach, Composable Architecture comes with its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is working with pre-built components. These modules are designed for general use cases, so they may not always meet the unique needs of a project. The key is being selective about which components you use and knowing when to introduce custom solutions.
Another potential risk is relying too heavily on third-party services. If a service changes its pricing or licensing, it could introduce unexpected costs. However, because Composable Architecture is modular, it’s easy to swap out services with minimal disruption.
Any final thoughts?
Composable Architecture is truly changing the way we develop software. Its modular, flexible nature makes it easier to manage updates, reduce costs, and create solutions that truly deliver value. As more companies embrace this approach, we’ll continue to see it redefine custom software development for the better.
