@tank/app-architecture

The best application architecture depends on your domain complexity, team size, and read/write patterns. Comparing layered, hexagonal, clean, or vertical slice approaches helps separate concerns and choose the lightest pattern that fits your delivery constraints.

Deciding between hexagonal and clean architecture involves comparing boundary design, dependency direction, and module ownership. Both clarify ports and adapters, but trade-off analysis for testability and modularity determines the right fit for your project structure.

You need DDD tactical patterns or CQRS in a modular monolith when audit constraints or distinct read and write patterns demand strict boundary design. These approaches clarify use cases and repositories but increase operational complexity compared to vertical slices.

To migrate a tangled codebase toward better boundaries without a risky rewrite, apply practical migration guidance that clarifies dependency direction and feature placement. Move incrementally from mixed business rules toward separated concerns using ports and adapters.

Vertical slice architecture works for small teams by reducing architecture drift and placing features side-by-side. However, high domain complexity with strict audit or modularity constraints might require comparing DDD or modular monolith approaches for stronger boundary enforcement.