What is a common drawback of monolithic architecture?

In a monolithic architecture, all components of the application are built as a single unified unit, which leads to tight coupling among those components. This means that every module or service within the application is dependent on others, and they typically share the same codebase. While this can make initial development straightforward, it introduces significant challenges as the application grows and evolves.

One of the main drawbacks of this tight coupling is that changes made to one part of the application can have unintended consequences on other parts, making the system less flexible and harder to maintain. It also complicates testing since changes require the entire application to be built and deployed again, impacting speed and efficiency. Ultimately, this coupling can stifle innovation, as integrating new technologies or updating components requires significant effort and presents a higher risk of affecting the entire system.

Recognizing these constraints is crucial for architects when considering the scalability, maintainability, and overall longevity of the applications they design.