The blog post advocates for a layered approach to structuring Go applications, emphasizing separation of concerns and dependency inversion. It proposes organizing code into distinct layers – domain, service, handler – with each layer depending only on the layers beneath it. The domain layer houses core business logic and entities, the service layer orchestrates domain operations and handles application-specific logic, and the handler layer interacts with external systems like databases and HTTP requests. This layered structure promotes testability, maintainability, and clearer understanding of the codebase by enforcing boundaries and reducing dependencies between different parts of the application. This approach differs from strictly hexagonal architecture, allowing the service layer to orchestrate domain logic, and focuses on practical application over strict adherence to architectural patterns.
"Architecture Patterns with Python" introduces practical architectural patterns for structuring Python applications beyond simple scripts. It focuses on Domain-Driven Design (DDD) principles and demonstrates how to implement them alongside architectural patterns like dependency injection and the repository pattern to create well-organized, testable, and maintainable code. The book guides readers through building a realistic application, iteratively improving its architecture to handle increasing complexity and evolving requirements. It emphasizes using Python's strengths effectively while promoting best practices for software design, ultimately enabling developers to create robust and scalable applications.
Hacker News users generally expressed interest in "Architecture Patterns with Python," praising its clear writing and practical approach. Several commenters highlighted the book's focus on domain-driven design and its suitability for bridging the gap between simple scripts and complex applications. Some appreciated the free online availability, while others noted the value of supporting the authors by purchasing the book. A few users compared it favorably to other architecture resources, emphasizing its Python-specific examples. The discussion also touched on testing strategies and the balance between architecture and premature optimization. A couple of commenters pointed out the book's emphasis on using readily available tools and libraries rather than introducing new frameworks.
Summary of Comments ( 16 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43740992
Hacker News users generally praised the article for its clear explanation of layered architecture in Go, particularly appreciating the focus on dependency inversion and the practical "domain" layer example. Some debated the merits of layered architecture in general, with a few suggesting alternative approaches like hexagonal architecture or Clean Architecture, noting potential drawbacks like increased boilerplate. A recurring theme was the importance of considering the project's complexity before adopting a layered approach, with simpler projects potentially not needing such strict structure. Others shared related experiences and alternative approaches to organizing Go code, highlighting the "package by feature" method and discussing the challenges of maintaining large, complex codebases. Several commenters also appreciated the author's clear and concise writing style.
The Hacker News post titled "Layered Design in Go" (linking to an article about the same topic) generated several comments discussing the merits and drawbacks of the layered architecture approach in Go, along with alternative suggestions and experiences.
Several commenters appreciate the clarity and simplicity presented in the article. One user found the article a helpful reminder of good software engineering principles, applicable beyond just Go. Another agreed with the author's focus on dependency inversion, highlighting its crucial role in building testable and maintainable software. The conciseness of the article was also praised.
A recurring theme in the comments is the discussion of alternative approaches to layered architecture, particularly hexagonal architecture (also known as ports and adapters). Commenters pointed out the benefits of hexagonal architecture in terms of decoupling business logic from external dependencies, ultimately improving testability and flexibility. Some argued that while layered architecture might be suitable for simpler projects, hexagonal architecture offers greater advantages for more complex applications.
A few comments also delved into the specifics of dependency injection in Go. One commenter suggested using a "wire" tool for compile-time dependency injection, while others discussed the pros and cons of using interfaces for dependency injection. A point was raised about the potential overhead of interfaces in Go and the consideration of using concrete types for dependencies in performance-sensitive scenarios.
The discussion also touched upon the trade-offs between strict layering and practicality. One commenter argued that rigid adherence to layered architecture can sometimes lead to unnecessary abstraction and complexity. The idea of allowing some controlled violation of layering for pragmatic reasons was also proposed.
A few commenters shared their own experiences with layered and hexagonal architectures, offering real-world examples of where each approach proved beneficial. These anecdotal comments provided valuable context to the more theoretical discussions.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News presented a balanced view of layered architecture in Go. While acknowledging its simplicity and usefulness in certain contexts, the commenters also highlighted potential limitations and explored alternative architectural patterns like hexagonal architecture. The discussion was constructive and insightful, offering practical advice and diverse perspectives on software design in Go.