As defined herein, a “microservice” is any software construct that (i) is completely embodied in the instructions comprising a software program (as distinct from instructions called by the software program from instructions (code) not included in the software program itself) and (ii) is architecturally similar in structure and context to a traditional, so-called “microservice” typically used by a service oriented architecture. Although typically smaller than traditional services of software programs (e.g., software programs based on a service-oriented architecture), microservices are not characterized solely by size, nor is there is a determinative size demarcation between microservices and other services.

Microservices emerged in large part from a common set of DevOps principles developed through the morphing of monolithic applications into decomposed services that communicate via RESTful application programming interfaces (APIs) and other network-based messaging protocols. DevOps is an approach to the planning and coordination of complex interdependent processes associated with software development and information technology (IT) operations that are intended to speed up the production and deployment of software products and services. Modifications of monolithic programs are typically few and far between, often necessitating that operational dependencies and risks be determined in advance of any modification. By contrast, the goal of DevOps is optimization of small and frequent changes brought about by breaking large modifications down into small incremental steps. In the specific context of DevOps, microservices can provide significant benefits, including availability, modifiability, and scalability.