First microservice architecture diagram in Microservices - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a microservice in software architecture?

A microservice is a small, independent service that performs a specific function within a larger application. It communicates with other microservices through simple interfaces like APIs.

beginner

Why do we use microservices instead of one big application?

Microservices allow teams to build, deploy, and scale parts of an application independently. This makes the system easier to manage, update, and grow over time.

intermediate

In a microservice architecture diagram, what does an API Gateway do?

An API Gateway acts like a front door that routes client requests to the right microservice. It can also handle security, load balancing, and request transformations.

intermediate

What is the role of a service registry in microservices?

A service registry keeps track of all running microservices and their locations. This helps services find and communicate with each other dynamically.

beginner

Name two common communication methods between microservices.

Microservices commonly communicate using synchronous HTTP/REST calls or asynchronous messaging with queues or event streams.

What is the main advantage of using microservices?

A Avoiding network communication

B Building one large, monolithic application

C Using a single database for all services

D Independent deployment and scaling of components

Microservices allow independent deployment and scaling, unlike monolithic apps.

In a microservice architecture, what does the API Gateway do?

A Stores all application data

B Routes client requests to appropriate microservices

C Runs the user interface

D Manages database transactions

The API Gateway routes requests and can handle security and load balancing.

Which component helps microservices discover each other?

A Database

B Load Balancer

C Service Registry

D API Gateway

The Service Registry tracks running services and their locations.

Which communication method is asynchronous in microservices?

A Message queues or event streams

B HTTP REST calls

C Direct database access

D Synchronous API calls

Message queues allow asynchronous communication between services.

What is a key characteristic of a microservice?

A Small and focused on a single function

B Large and handles many functions

C Tightly coupled with other services

D Runs only on a single server

Microservices are small and focused on one function for easier management.

Describe the main components and flow in a simple microservice architecture diagram.

Think of how a customer orders food through a waiter who directs the order to the kitchen stations.

Explain why microservices improve scalability and maintenance compared to monolithic applications.

Compare fixing one room’s light in a house versus rewiring the entire house at once.