How are microservices characterized in server applications?

Microservices are characterized as loosely coupled services, each designed to perform specific functions within a server application. This architectural style allows each microservice to be developed, deployed, and scaled independently, which enhances flexibility and maintainability. Each microservice interacts with others over a network, usually through APIs, enabling them to function autonomously while still contributing to a larger system.

This approach stands in contrast to monolithic architectures, where all functionalities are tightly bundled together, making the system less adaptable to change. Microservices can use different technologies and databases tailored to their requirements, rather than being confined to a single database, which allows for greater innovation and experimentation. Additionally, this structure promotes easier fault isolation and enables teams to work on different services simultaneously without causing significant disruptions to the overall application. Overall, the nature of microservices supports scalability and resilience in modern server applications.