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Modular Monolith vs Classic Monolith

By Habib Pourfard

A monolith is a single, unified system, but a modular monolith breaks the codebase into independent sections inside the same deployment. You get the simplicity of a monolith, but with the flexibility to grow or split later.

Think of a big apartment block. In a classic one, every room is connected; change one thing, and the whole building shakes. In a modular one, each flat has its own entrance and utilities. You can renovate or move flats without disturbing the others.

  • Classic monolith: All parts are tightly joined, hard to separate
  • Modular monolith: Independent modules inside one app
  • Easy upgrades: Swap or upgrade modules with less risk
A large apartment building, some flats grouped closely, others separated by clear walls
Modular monoliths allow you to modernise and reorganise your app one section at a time, like renovating apartments.