Different Type of Architecture in .NET Core WEB API

.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?