A Developer’s Identity Crisis
Microservices vs Monolith
By Nigel Dsouza
Once, we were the keepers of monoliths — towering...
For further actions, you may consider blocking this person and/or reporting abuse
This lovely piece of article by Nigel explains how today Developers are at crossroads in todays highly modern automated world and resultant identity crises. It bares the truth that earlier in the monolith era, developers had a holistic understanding and were builders of entire applications. However, with microservices today, that clarity is lost and Developers now only maintain fragmented, isolated services, often disconnected from the broader system. Earlier, Monoliths preserved the history and maintained rationale behind decisions. Today, microservices leads to increased complexity and dependencies and lack narrative. It becomes more of a dull drag world
Nigel urges developers to reclaim their identity — not just as code custodians, but as storytellers, creators, and engineers with a vision.
Nigel, how then can we keep sight of the big picture? Being an expert in a niche is fine, but who or what will oversee the various niches working seamlessly together? Or will the weakest link in the chain snap and sink the ship?
While microservices offer advantages in scalability and flexibility, Nigelt highlights the need to address the human element of software development. By designing systems with developer clarity, narrative, and control in mind, organizations can empower their engineers and make working with microservices a more fulfilling experience. Well expressed!
Really enjoyed reading this. You have put into words something a lot of developers quietly wrestle with. That uncertainty around identity—am I technical enough, creative enough, or in the right space—is so relatable. The way you described your experience at the IBM bootcamp felt very real, especially how asking design questions made you think differently.
It is refreshing to see someone embrace that overlap between design and development without trying to box themselves in. The piece flows nicely and feels honest, not overthought. Just a solid reminder that it is okay to grow in unexpected directions.
Imagine the result if 30 Sculptors were allotted different sections of the marble block to create Michaelangelo's David!!
Look forward to engineers reclaiming their lost identity....
Thanks for sharing! Would love to connect as I have a few issues that could require your perspective.
Helpful insight
Keep up the great work!
Nice one!
Great article Nigel. Very relevant to today's scenario
Insightful
Insightful
Thanks for sharing! Informative and relevant.
Definately worth reading 👍