Cheat sheet

Architecture Patterns Reference

A cheat sheet of software architecture patterns with when to use each, what it costs, and warning signs.

Type
Cheat sheet
Access
Free
Format
PDF
Published
Nov 2, 2026
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cover

What's inside#

  • The forces that should drive an architecture choice
  • Application structure patterns, from layered to microservices and serverless
  • Integration patterns: gateways, BFF, service mesh, messaging, events and webhooks
  • Data patterns: CQRS, event sourcing, outbox, change data capture and sagas
  • Resilience patterns and safe ways to change a live system
  • A decision guide and the anti-patterns to catch early

How to use it#

  1. Start from the problem and the forces on page 2, not from a favorite pattern.
  2. Use the "pays off when" and "costs" columns to compare options honestly.
  3. Check the anti-patterns list against your current system.
  4. Record the choice and its trade-offs in a design doc or decision record.

Limitations#

  • Patterns are starting points, not prescriptions. Most real systems mix several.
  • The comparison table is a simplification meant to start discussion.
  • It doesn't replace deeper reading on any pattern you plan to adopt.

License

Free to use, share and adapt, including commercially, as long as you credit Letinix and link to this page. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

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