What is Domain-Driven Design (DDD)?
Domain-Driven Design is a software design approach that centers the architecture around the business domain, using a shared language (ubiquitous language) between developers and domain experts.
Domain-Driven Design is a software design approach that centers the architecture around the business domain, using a shared language (ubiquitous language) between developers and domain experts. Created by Eric Evans, DDD structures software to mirror business processes.
Key concepts: Bounded Context (clear boundary within which a domain model is consistent), Aggregate (cluster of entities treated as a single unit for data changes), Entity (object defined by identity, not attributes), Value Object (immutable object defined by attributes), Domain Event (something that happened in the domain that domain experts care about), and Repository (abstraction for data access).
DDD is especially valuable for complex business domains where the cost of misunderstanding the domain outweighs the cost of additional architectural complexity.
Why It Matters
DDD prevents the most expensive software failures: building the wrong thing. By aligning code with business language and boundaries, DDD ensures that domain experts and developers share understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DDD?
Domain-Driven Design: a software design approach that aligns architecture with the business domain. Uses ubiquitous language, bounded contexts, and aggregates to mirror business processes in code.
When should I use DDD?
For complex business domains where misunderstanding costs more than additional architecture. Not for simple CRUD applications — the overhead isn't justified. Ideal for enterprise, fintech, and healthcare.
Related Terms
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