.NET Core supported several design patterns, architectures that are useful to make more scalable applications. Based on our architecture selection, our app is going to be more maintainable and testable. Here we will discuss some of them.
1. Clean Architecture
This is one of the Highly Recommended Architectures for its Separation of Concerns. In this project, modules are acting independently of each other. UI, Database, and business login are separated.
Layers
- Domain Layer: Core business logic and entities
- Application Layer: Use cases, interfaces, and DTOs
- Infrastructure Layer: Database, file system, external services
- API Layer: Controllers and request handling
Benefits
- Highly testable
- Decoupled and maintainable
- Scales well for large applications
2. Onion Architecture
This is Domain centric approach which means Domain (Model) based access throughout the project. Also, it’s like Clean Architecture.
Structure
- Core (Domain)
- Application Services
- Infrastructure
- UI (API)
Benefits
- Strong separation of concerns
- Easy to swap infrastructure
3. Hexagonal Architecture
Here, core logic will be inside the hexagon, and the application mainly focuses on interacting with outside applications.
Components
- Core logic (inside hexagon)
- Ports (interfaces)
- Adapters (implementations like controllers, repositories)
Benefits
- Great for microservices
- Easy to test with mock ports
4. Layered Architecture
Traditional approach, often used in smaller or legacy apps.
Layers
- Presentation (API)
- Business Logic
- Data Access
Benefits
- Simple to understand
- Good for small projects
Drawbacks
- Can become tightly coupled
- Harder to test and scale
Which One Should You Use?
| FProject Type |
Recommended Architecture |
| Small/Quick API |
Layered Architecture |
| Medium to Large API |
Clean Architecture or Onion |
| Microservices |
Clean or Hexagonal |
| Domain-Driven Design |
Clean or Onion |