How do Microservices Communicate With Each Other?
Updated: Feb 14, 2023
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Microservices is a type of architecture for building distributed software systems. These microservices are composed of small, independent services.
Containerization is the foundation of microservices. Applications are thus divided into more manageable, deployable, and smaller components. As a result, we developers can easily and quickly create and deploy these services. mainly because we need not be concerned with complicated dependencies.
With the help of microservice architecture, developers can build programs that can easily scale and endure disturbances. The microservices can then be set up on platforms for distributed computing or cloud computing.
In this article, we will discuss microservices- what they are, and how they interact in distributed computing settings. We will also talk about the advantages that microservice design offers to customers, companies, and developers alike.
Let's dive right in!
Microservice architecture is a popular way to build applications that are composed of multiple services. However, orchestrating communication between these services can be a challenging task. When different services need to communicate with each other, there are several challenges that need to be addressed such as latency, reliability, scalability, and security.
So how do microservices communicate with each other?
Microservices provide the flexibility and scalability needed for modern applications. However, for microservices to work properly, they must be able to communicate with each other in a secure and reliable manner. This is where protocols and architectures come in.
Some of the common protocols that microservices use in communication are API calls, gRPC, and Message Brokers. Let's look at them in more detail.
API calls - API calls are a way for applications to communicate with one another over a network. They allow requests to be sent from one application to another, and the receiving application can respond with the desired data. REST API is the most popular type of API that is used. API calls are used to access data from different sources, such as databases or web services. The API call will send a request containing the parameters of what data is needed. Then the receiving application will respond with that data. This process allows different microservices to easily access and share information across different platforms.
gRPC - gRPC is an open-source Remote Procedure Call (RPC) system that enables internet-based application communication. Its foundation is the HTTP/2 protocol, and it serializes data using Protocol Buffers. We can create reliable, effective, and secure distributed applications quickly, thanks to gRPC. We can build services that are quickly accessed from anywhere in the world by utilizing gRPC. Additionally offering a variety of capabilities including authentication, streaming, and error handling, gRPC is a great option for creating distributed applications.
Message Brokers - Software tools called message brokers enable communication between two or more microservices. They serve as an intermediary, allowing reliable and secure communication between applications. Message brokers serve as a bridge for data exchange and act as an intermediate between various systems. They can transport communications between various apps or services as well as send and receive messages. Businesses can guarantee the security of their data and the prompt, effective delivery of communications by using message brokers. Additionally, they can be utilized to combine different communication systems into a single one.
By understanding the different types of protocols and architectures used in connecting microservices, we can create more secure and efficient applications that can handle large amounts of data without sacrificing performance or security.
The microservice communication protocols mentioned above can happen in 2 ways - Sync and Async
Sync and async are two different types of communication methods. Sync stands for synchronous communication whereas Async stands for asynchronous communication.
Sync is often used when there is an immediate need for feedback or response, while async can be used when there is no need for an immediate response.
For example, if you are sending an email to someone, you would use async because you don't need an immediate response. On the other hand, if you are having a video call with someone, then sync would be the better option since it allows both parties to communicate in real-time.
What Benefits Do Microservices Bring to Cloud Computing and Web Applications?
Microservices are an important part of cloud computing and web applications. They provide a way to break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces that can be developed and deployed independently. This makes it easier to scale up and down as needed, while also providing a more secure environment for applications.
Additionally, microservices offer the benefits of increased scalability and performance, as well as improved resource utilization. With these advantages, microservice architecture is becoming increasingly popular among developers who want to create robust and reliable web applications.
Conclusion: The Future of Cloud Computing Lies in the Efficient Communication of Microservices
As technology advances, the need for efficient communication between microservices has become increasingly important. Cloud computing has been a major player in this evolution. It provides an easy platform for developers to access and deploy services. The future of cloud computing lies in its ability to enable seamless communication between microservices. Thus allowing developers to quickly build and deploy applications with minimal effort.
And that's a wrap! Hi, I am Gourav Dhar, a software developer and I write blogs on Backend Development and System Design. Subscribe to my Newsletter and learn something new every week - https://thegeekyminds.com/subscribe
