Comparing monolithic web applications and microservices

To master a new concept such as microservices, contrasting it to a known concept can be insightful. Because microservices tackle the limits and drawbacks of monolithic applications, it’s interesting to look at the differences between microservices and their monolithic opponents. So, let’s focus on an example monolithic application and then compare it with a microservices version.

A monolithic version of a Discount Claim app

Imagine that the first 150 responders can claim a discount on a new and cool AI-powered code editor. The supplier of the code editor set up a web page on its website where responders can claim their discount. All they have to do is supply their name and email address, after which they receive an email with a discount code to order the code editor.

Technically, the web page is a monolithic single-page application that sequentially executes these tasks:

Figure...