Microservices vs Modules Distinction - Wiz-DevTech/prettygirllz GitHub Wiki

This is a comprehensive breakdown of a microservices architecture for PrettyGirlz, LLC's e-commerce platform. Let me analyze and summarize the key aspects:

Microservices vs Modules Distinction:

  1. True Microservices:

    • Identity & Access Service: Fully autonomous auth with dedicated DB
    • Product Catalog: Domain-specific with isolated data ownership
    • Logistics Service: Contains subservices like QR system with clear boundaries
    • Social Commerce: Event-driven with WebSocket isolation

  2. Modules:

    • Frontend Gateway: Pure composition layer
    • Try-On Adapter: Protocol translation only

Architecture Highlights:

  1. Proper Boundaries:

    • Each service owns its data (no shared DB)
    • QR service only knows order IDs, not product details
    • Chat uses events rather than direct DB access

  2. Technology Diversity:

    • JWT/JCE for auth
    • Elasticsearch for catalog
    • Redis+GIS for logistics
    • WebSockets for social

  3. Deployment Independence:

    • Separate Docker containers per service
    • Example shows auth can update without chat impact

Anti-Patterns Avoided:

  • No "chat calling user DB" (uses events)
  • No "QR service knowing products"
  • No shared database between services

Implementation Evidence:

  • Clear code snippets showing bounded contexts: 
    @PostMapping("/authenticate") 
public AuthResponse login(...) { /* No external deps */ }
  • Python QR service owning its lifecycle
  • React component demonstrating UI composition

Business Alignment:

  • Supports all required features:
    • Avatar try-ons
    • QR pickup system
    • Role-based access
    • Product chats

Quality Attributes:

  • Fault isolation (QR failures ≠ checkout breakdown)
  • Scalability markers for each service
  • Security via encryption and BCrypt

This architecture successfully implements microservice principles while meeting PrettyGirlz's specific requirements for a candy/fashion hybrid platform with unique delivery and social features. The clear separation between services and modules, along with the technology choices, positions the system for maintainability and future growth.