Microservices (also known as Microservices Architecture) is a type of software that allows for applications to be built and maintained using smaller components that work together. It is related to service-oriented architecture and enables applications to be scalable. The components are separately maintained, so they can be developed independently. If an issue should arise, it is isolated in that singular component, rather than affecting the entire application.
Applications have core functions which are known as "services" when using microservices architecture. Services within an application include search engines, product recommendations when using e-commerce, authentications, notifications, and online carts. Each of the services has its own codebase, infrastructure, and database. In order for the services to function together, they communicate through application programming interfaces (APIs) or messaging queues.
The software is being used by companies such as Netflix, Spotify, ASOS, and Expedia.