Hexagonal Architecture
What are the main components of Hexagonal Architecture and their
responsibilities?
Hexagonal Architecture (also known as Ports and Adapters) separates core logic from
the outside world.
Main components:
Core Domain: contains business rules, use cases, and domain models.
Ports: interfaces that define the input/output expected by the application (e.g.,
RepositoryPort, MessagingPort).
Adapters: implementations of ports that integrate external systems (e.g., REST
controllers, DB access, Kafka producers).
Benefits:
Core logic is isolated from frameworks and infrastructure.
Improves testability and adaptability.
How does Hexagonal Architecture improve testability and maintainability of
services?
Core logic can be tested without involving infrastructure like databases or messaging.
You can mock or stub ports during unit and integration tests.
Adapters are thin layers with minimal logic — easier to test independently.
Maintenance becomes easier because infrastructure changes don’t affect the business
logic.
How would you organize a Spring Boot application using Hexagonal
Architecture?
Structure the application into clear layers and modules:
domain: aggregates, value objects, business rules.
application: use cases, service interfaces, input/output ports.
adapters: REST controllers, database repositories, external clients.
infrastructure/config: configuration, wiring, bootstrapping.
Define ports as interfaces in the application layer.
Implement adapters in the infrastructure layer and wire them using Spring
@Configuration or @Component.
Keep business logic free from Spring annotations to preserve isolation.
How would you implement input and output ports in a real-world service?
Input ports represent use cases, triggered by external actors (e.g., createUser,
placeOrder).
Output ports abstract interactions with the outside world (e.g., persistence, messaging).
Example:
Input port: interface CreateOrderUseCase { void execute(CreateOrderCommand cmd); }
Output port: interface OrderRepository { Order save(Order order); }
Adapters:
REST Controller implements the input port.
JPA repository or Kafka producer implements the output port.
This ensures the domain logic stays decoupled and reusable.
What are the challenges of applying Hexagonal Architecture and how can they
be mitigated?
Challenges:
Increased code structure complexity for small/simple projects.
Requires discipline to separate concerns — risk of leakage between layers.
Steeper learning curve for teams unfamiliar with the pattern.
Mitigations:
Adopt it gradually — start by isolating use cases and interfaces.
Enforce boundaries with clear module/package separation.
Provide internal guidelines and project templates.
When done properly, it pays off with long-term maintainability, adaptability, and
testability.