Monolith Modularization (Deep Workflow)#

Modularize before microservice splintering when possible: clear internal APIs and data boundaries lower risk than distributed rewrites.

When to Offer This Workflow#

Trigger conditions:

• Tangled code; long build/test times; fear of changes
• Preparing for extract services later
• Team parallelism blocked by merge conflicts

Initial offer:

Use six stages: (1) map current state, (2) define target modules, (3) enforce boundaries, (4) migrate data & calls incrementally, (5) extract candidates, (6) validate & iterate. Confirm language ecosystem (Java modules, packages, etc.).

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Stage 1: Map Current State#

Goal: Dependency graph and pain hotspots.

Activities#

• Categorize by domain (feature areas)
• Identify shared DB tables across features
• Build ownership per directory package

Exit condition: Simple diagram or list of coupling edges.

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Stage 2: Define Target Modules#

Goal: Bounded contexts as packages or layers with explicit APIs.

Practices#

• Public API surface per module; internal packages hidden
• Dependency rule: feature → core allowed; not feature ↔ feature (eventually)

Exit condition: Rule document (lint or arch tests when possible).

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Stage 3: Enforce Boundaries#

Goal: Tooling backs intent (ArchUnit, dependency-cruiser, eslint boundaries).

Practices#

• CI fails on new violations (ratchet)
• Gradual allowlist until legacy cleaned

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Stage 4: Incremental Migration#

Goal: Strangler inside the monolith: new code behind facades.

Patterns#

• Extract interface + impl swap later
• Outbox table for events before Kafka exists

Exit condition: No big-bang rewrite without feature flags.

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Stage 5: Extract Candidates#

Goal: Choose first service by clear data ownership and low coupling.

Heuristics#

• Stable API already emerged internally
• Different scaling needs or release cadence

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Stage 6: Validate & Iterate#

Goal: Metrics: build time, test time, defect rate per module.

Practices#

• Retros on boundary pain; adjust modules

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Final Review Checklist#

• Domain map and coupling understood
• Target module boundaries and public APIs defined
• Enforcement (lint/tests) in CI where feasible
• Incremental migration path without big-bang
• Extraction candidates prioritized with rationale

Tips for Effective Guidance#

• Shared DB rows are the hardest coupling— plan migrations early.
• “Anti-corruption” layer when integrating legacy subdomains.
• Modular monolith often beats premature microservices.

Handling Deviations#

• Rails / Django / Spring: map to packaging and engines / modules specifically.
• Tiny codebase: folder structure + import rules only.