Understand source and package componentization
Current development practices already have the notion of componentization—the process of breaking down a system into discrete, manageable components. There are two primary approaches to componentization commonly used in software development.
Two approaches to componentization
Source componentization
Source componentization is focused on organizing source code. It refers to splitting the source code in the codebase into separate parts and organizing it around the identified components.
How it works:
- Code is organized into logical modules or projects within a solution.
- Components are defined by folder structure and project boundaries.
- Teams work on different components within the same repository.
When to use source componentization:
- Single team or closely coordinated teams: When all developers work in the same repository.
- Tightly coupled components: When components change frequently together.
- Early development: When component boundaries are still being defined.
- Internal use only: When the source code isn't shared outside of the project.
Advantages:
- Simplified development: All code is in one place, making it easy to make cross-component changes.
- Easier refactoring: Component boundaries can be adjusted without changing external contracts.
- Unified builds: Everything compiles together, making it easier to ensure compatibility.
Limitations:
- Sharing challenges: Once components need to be shared, it requires distributing the source code or the produced binary artifacts.
- Version control complexity: Large repositories can become difficult to manage.
- Build times: Entire solution must be built even for small changes.
- Limited autonomy: Teams must coordinate changes across components.
Package componentization
Package componentization uses packages as a formal way of wrapping and handling components. Distributing software components is performed by creating and publishing packages.
How it works:
- Components are built and packaged separately.
- Packages are published to package feeds (Azure Artifacts, NuGet.org, npm, Maven Central).
- Projects consume components by referencing package versions.
- Each component has its own version and release cycle.
When to use package componentization:
- Multiple teams: When different teams maintain different components.
- Loosely coupled components: When components can evolve independently.
- External sharing: When components are shared across organizations or publicly.
- Mature components: When component interfaces are stable.
Advantages:
- Independent versioning: Each component can be versioned and released independently.
- Better dependency management: Explicit declarations of dependencies with version constraints.
- Improved governance: Control over what versions are consumed.
- Team autonomy: Teams can work on components independently.
- Reusability: Components can be easily shared across projects and organizations.
Characteristics added by packages:
- Versioning: Track and manage different versions of components.
- Metadata: Include information about authors, licenses, and dependencies.
- Distribution: Formal distribution channel through package feeds.
- Dependency resolution: Automatic resolution of transitive dependencies.
Choosing the right approach
The choice between source and package componentization depends on your specific needs:
| Factor | Source Componentization | Package Componentization |
|---|---|---|
| Team size | Single or small team | Multiple teams |
| Component coupling | Tightly coupled | Loosely coupled |
| Release cadence | Unified releases | Independent releases |
| Sharing scope | Internal only | Internal and external |
| Maturity | Early development | Stable components |
Many organizations use a hybrid approach, combining both methods:
- Use source componentization for core application code.
- Use package componentization for shared libraries and frameworks.