Microservice architecture

As explained in AI Agents in Action, Second Edition

A microservices architecture is a software architecture in which an application is composed of independently deployable services with focused responsibilities.

Microservice architecture deploys small, focused API applications as independently usable services. In agent systems, each service can own one task or subgoal instead of embedding every capability in one application. section 8.2

Use the pattern when deployment flexibility and separation of concerns matter:

• Expose services through an API, or provide them as MCP servers that other agents can consume. section 8.1 section 8.2
• Give each agent a focused responsibility so agents can be upgraded, swapped, added, or removed independently. section 8.2
• Package services in containers for consistent runtimes; use Docker Desktop locally and larger hosting platforms when needed. section 8.2

Frontend agent with specialized services

A browser-based frontend agent can consume several containerized agents as tools through APIs or as MCP servers. A container may hold one agent or a complete multi-agent workflow. section 8.2

Figure 8.4 There are several ways a frontend agent may consume containerized microservice agents: as tools through an API or as MCP servers.

Shows the alternative ways a frontend agent can consume containerized microservice agents. section 8.2

How AI Agents in Action, Second Edition covers it

How deep it goes

Defines service boundaries and container deployment, but defers Kubernetes and other cloud-environment deployment details.

Examples

Uses a browser frontend consuming multiple containerized agents as API tools or MCP servers.

What it assumes

Assumes an agent or API application ready to containerize, while leaving enterprise cloud deployment outside scope.

What you can do after

Apply it via Docker by packaging focused agents for independent use, replacement, scaling, and versioning.

How it connects

Connects containers, APIs, MCP, A2A, multi-agent architectures, and orchestration workflows.

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Also explained in

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  Bootstrapping Microservices, Second Edition: With Docker, Kubernetes, GitHub Actions, and TerraformAn architectural style that structures an application as a collection of small, independently deployable services with distinct boundaries.
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  Google Anthos in ActionA microservices architecture structures an application as independently deployable services that communicate over a network.
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  gRPC Microservices in GoMicroservice architecture is an architectural style that structures an application as loosely coupled, independently deployable, and independently scalable services.
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  Cloud Observability in ActionA microservices application is an application composed of independently deployable services that communicate over interfaces.
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  Think Like a CTOA microservices architecture structures a system as independently deployable services that are narrowly scoped and communicate through defined interfaces.
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  Go in Practice, Second EditionA microservice architecture is an application architecture composed of independently deployable services that communicate over a network.
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  Software Security for DevelopersA software architecture that decomposes an application into independently deployable services organized around business capabilities.
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  Kubernetes for DevelopersMicroservices is an architectural pattern that structures an application as multiple independently maintained services.
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  Kubernetes in Action, Second EditionA microservice architecture structures an application as multiple independently deployable services that collaborate through defined interfaces.
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  Kafka for ArchitectsMicroservices architecture is an architectural style composed of independently deployable services organized around separate capabilities.
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  Python Concurrency with asyncioMicroservice architecture is a system design style that structures an application as a set of independently deployable services communicating over defined interfaces.
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  BDD in Action, Second EditionMicroservice architecture is an application architecture in which independently deployable services implement separate business capabilities and communicate through defined interfaces.
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  Authorization in ActionMicroservices is an architectural pattern in which an application is composed of independently deployable services that communicate over a network.

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Related concepts

• monolithic architecturealternative to · Monolithic architecture is a software architecture in which an application's major functionality is organized and deployed as a single integrated unit.
• distributed systemkind of · A distributed system is a computing system whose components run across multiple networked processes or machines and coordinate through communication.
• autonomyproduces · Autonomy is the capacity or degree to make decisions and act independently within a defined responsibility or set of limits.
• servicehas part · A service is a capability or activity provided by an entity to meet the needs of users or other components.
• fast flowproduces · Fast flow is the rapid, sustainable movement of work through a value stream, supported by minimal delays and timely feedback.

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of AI Agents in Action, Second Edition. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.