# Modular Monoliths: Creating Real Boundaries Before Reaching for Microservices

DevFeed: [Modular Monoliths: Creating Real Boundaries Before Reaching for Microservices](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/modular-monoliths-creating-real-boundaries-before-reaching-for-microservices-33296.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://freek.dev/3182-modular-monoliths-creating-real-boundaries-before-reaching-for-microservices>)

Author: Freek Van der Herten (freek@spatie.be)

Published: 2026-08-20T13:48:25Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [freek.dev - all blogposts](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/freek-dev-all-blogposts.md>)

Topics: [Architecture & Design](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/architecture-design.md>), [Microservice](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/microservice.md>), [Database](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/database.md>)

Tags: [apis](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/apis.md>), [architecture](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/architecture.md>), [database](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/database.md>), [design-patterns](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design-patterns.md>), [microservices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/microservices.md>), [migration](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/migration.md>), [modular](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/modular.md>), [monolith](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/monolith.md>), [tests](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/tests.md>)

## AI overview

This article examines modular monoliths as a way to establish real architectural boundaries before adopting microservices. It covers module APIs, database ownership, cross-module communication, architecture tests, incremental migration, and signals that may justify a move to microservices.

## Source excerpt

A deep dive into modular monoliths, from module APIs and database ownership to cross-module communication, architecture tests, incremental migration, and the signals that justify microservices. Read more