Bounded Contexts and Core Subdomains

The bounded context establishes boundaries, ensuring the model’s integrity and relevance. By preventing software from becoming chaotic, bounded contexts safeguard the development process. However, many developers need to pay more attention to the building block patterns, treating them as rigid rules rather than flexible guidelines. This leads to wasted effort and a lack of understanding in capturing the essence of the problem domain. Instead, focusing on the “what” and “why” of problem-solving is crucial, transcending the mere implementation in code. Collaboration should be valued above code production, as developers demonstrate problem-solving abilities in various ways.

Distilling a large problem domain into smaller subdomains allows for better comprehension. Identifying core subdomains that hold more significant value to the business requires dedicated attention and effort. A shared ubiquitous language unifies the analysis and code models. Tactical patterns help separate technical and domain codes from mitigating accidental complexity. If necessary, the model can be split into smaller units to enhance clarity and ease collaboration within a team. Protecting the model’s integrity is vital, achieved by defining boundaries and considering context when working with multiple models. These practices reveal the core subdomain, driving the development of the product.

To excel as a developer, one must exhibit a passion for problem-solving and a deep understanding of the domain. A simple and practical model from complex problems demands extensive knowledge and continuous collaboration with domain experts. Filtering out irrelevant information is essential to focus on the primary modeling goals.

[¹]: Domain-Driven Design: Tackling Complexity in the Heart of Software