Software development and complex computer systems are shaping the future of technology. While they may not be easily understood by the average consumer, there are many nuances that go into software and business operations. One of these is the architecture of how software programs are built and developed. And for the past few decades, a new, innovative method has emerged as the front-runner for increased productivity, resilience, and integration. And that is event based architecture.
As opposed to the more traditional “request/response“ architecture, event-based allows for real-time response to a wide range of events. Instead of waiting for each party to complete a request or communicate back and forth, event-based architecture can process and respond quickly, and without interruption. This asynchronous communication means you’re never waiting for one response or relying on a single message, you can expand your audience in real-time. But what exactly are all the components of event-based architecture and why is this the future of software development? Let’s dive in to discover more about this superior programming.
Refining Integration
In a world of instant gratification and an inpatient population, if you’re taking too long to respond, you’ve lost business. Event-driven architecture helps you speed things up by integrating all responses and digital conversations. This program is stronger, more flexible, and adapts to change much faster than typical architectures. Previous iterations of service-oriented architecture were all about collecting and compiling data while event-based grabs the information as it’s happening. Because of the law of diminishing returns, this means all your data is actually relevant rather than letting it sit as you collect more information.
Define an “Event”
When you hear the word “event” you probably think of a party, a sports game, or a concert, but in the case of software, an ”event” is defined quite differently. Simply put, an event is when there is a change of status in regard to a key business system. Events are happening all the time when a flight time is changed, someone purchases something online, a show is canceled, etc. It’s universal across all businesses and industries.
The beauty of event-based architecture is the software can respond to any and all events. The event directly triggers a response. So a request to reset a password will trigger an email to reset a password. A package delivery notice will prompt the site to close the sales ticket. And an unauthorized credit card charge will automatically shut down the card.
Three-Part System
When it comes to the components of event-based architecture, there can be up to three parties involved. This includes your producer, consumer, and a broker. However, you may not always need a broker if you’re communicating directly between producer and consumer, in the case of inventory or things like that. Common enterprises will be multifaceted and reach broad audiences, so they communicate with each other, but also utilize a broker to manage all the data coming in.
Advantages of Event-Based Architecture
While it seems clear that event-based architecture can handle your needs quickly and more efficiently than other methods, there are even more advantages to choosing this method. It is truly resilient. Where request/response or service-oriented architectures would go down if one piece of the puzzle malfunctions, event-based pulls data from many avenues and can continue thriving in case of trouble. You’re also able to push your narrative to more people rather than wait for the push and pull of two-sided digital conversation.
Lastly, event-based architecture is constantly changing, learning, and growing. Allow your program to expand itself and find new solutions. It can lower your workload and find new, creative approaches to problems you may not have even realized in real-time.
