Layers, Builds, and Configs: What We Got Right (and Wrong)
Article summary
Layers, Builds, and Configs: What We Got Right (and Wrong) We’ve learned that architecture isn’t just about big choices. It’s also about the details-the practices that quietly influence how teams work, how fast they move, and how confident they feel making changes. This article focuses on three critical but often underappreciated areas: application layering, build performance, and configuration management. These are not glamorous topics, but getting them right had a huge impact on how we develop, test, and operate software. 1. Business Logic Layering: Enforcing Boundaries That Scale As our application grew, our codebase became harder to navigate. It wasn’t about size-it was about structure. We had logic scattered across controllers, services, and even repository classes. There was no consistent place for validation, rules, or orchestration.
Read Full Article on MediumPractical takeaway
The main idea behind Layers, Builds, and Configs: What We Got Right (and Wrong) is to help teams move from broad theory to clear, repeatable decision making. When teams apply this thinking, they reduce ambiguity and focus on improvements that deliver measurable momentum.
Example scenario
Imagine a team facing competing priorities. By applying the ideas in Layers, Builds, and Configs: What We Got Right (and Wrong), they can map dependencies, identify risks and choose the next move that produces progress without destabilizing their system.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to redesign everything instead of taking small steps.
- Ignoring real constraints like incentives, ownership or legacy systems.
- Creating documents that do not lead to any change in code or decisions.
How to apply this in real work
Start by identifying where Layers, Builds, and Configs: What We Got Right (and Wrong) already shows up in your architecture or delivery flow. Then pick one area where clarity would reduce friction. Apply the idea, measure its effect and share the learning.
Signs you are doing it correctly
- Teams make decisions faster and with fewer disagreements.
- Architectural conversations become clearer and less abstract.
- Changes land safely with fewer surprises or rework cycles.