What type of architecture allows for components to be developed and deployed independently?

Service-oriented architecture (SOA) is designed to provide a framework that allows for the independent development and deployment of components known as services. In this architecture, each service is an independent unit that performs a specific function and communicates over a network, typically through a well-defined interface or protocol. This independence enables different teams to work on various services simultaneously, facilitating faster development cycles and easier maintenance.

In an SOA environment, services can be added, modified, or replaced without requiring changes to other services, enabling greater flexibility and scalability. This modular approach contrasts with other architectural styles, which may tightly couple components together, making independent deployment challenging.

For instance, monolithic architecture couples all components into a single unit, which can lead to difficulties in updating or deploying individual parts. Layered architecture organizes the system into layers but often still relies on tight connections between those layers, leading to dependencies that hinder independent deployment. Client-server architecture establishes a relationship between clients and servers but does not inherently allow for the independent development of individual components in the way that SOA does.

Overall, the ability of SOA to support independent service development and deployment is a significant advantage in modern application design, particularly for organizations seeking agility and rapid response to changing business needs.