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How to Break Down a Monolithic MEAN Application into Smaller Services?

3 September 2025 by
akansha

Find out how to turn a big MEAN Stack app into smaller, easier-to-manage parts using micro services. This guide explains each step in simple terms. Great for beginners or anyone taking a MEAN Stack course or training.

 

When you are looking to turn a MEAN Stack app into micro services takes smart planning and step-by-step execution. To learn this process, you may need to have the basic concepts of the MEAN that can be gained by taking the MEAN Stack Course.  Well, this shift can make your app easier to scale, maintain, and develop faster with multiple teams.

 

But to do this in the right way, you may need to clearly ask where one service ends and another begins. Also, you may need to be prepared for handling the added complexity that comes with a distributed system. Then let’s begin discussing how to break down a monolithic MEAN application into smaller services.

Ways to Break Down a Monolithic MEAN application into smaller services:

These are a few ways to break down a monolithic MEAN application into smaller services. So if you take the MEAN Stack Training in Delhi, then you can learn valuable skills and knowledge from the professionals.

1. Analyze the Current Monolith

Before you begin splitting your MEAN stack application (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js) into micro services, take time to understand how it currently works.

 

●     List all API endpoints, database collections, and business logic modules.

●     Map out how data moves through the system.

●     Identify which parts are tightly linked, and where changes often affect multiple parts of the app.

 

This analysis helps you spot natural "breaking points" and figure out which parts to turn into micro services first.

2. Define Service Boundaries

 

Use Domain-Driven Design (DDD) to break the app into services based on business functions, not just technical layers.

 

For example, in an e-commerce app, you might split it into:

 

●     User Management

●     Product Catalog

●     Orders

●     Payments

●     Inventory

 

Each service should own its own data and logic, and shouldn't rely on constantly talking to other services. This reduces complexity and improves independence.

3. Plan Your Database Split

 

MongoDB’s flexible data model makes it easier to divide your database by service.

Group related collections by business domain.

For example:

 

●     The User Service can manage user profiles, login tokens, and settings.

●     The Product Service handles product details, categories, and specs.

 

Other Related Courses:

You may also read:

Java Full Stack Developer Course

MERN Full Stack Developer Course

Python Online Course

Full Stack Developer Course Online

 

 

4. Extract Backend Services

Use the Strangler Fig Pattern: slowly replace parts of the monolith instead of rewriting everything at once.

 

Start with smaller, less connected features, like:

●     Notifications

●     Reports

Add an API Gateway (like Kong or AWS API Gateway) to:

●     Route requests to the right services

●     Handle shared features like authentication, rate limiting, and logging

This lets you switch over gradually while keeping the app running.

 

Apart from this, if you have completed the MEAN training, then you will get MEAN Stack Certification, which may add a credential to your portfolio. Also, you can showcase this certification to your potential employers and implement your skills in your organization.

Conclusion:

Breaking a MEAN monolith into micro services is a big move. So when this is done in the right way, this brings flexibility, cleaner code, as well as faster development. All you need to do is to art small, plan carefully, and build around your business needs, not just the technical structure. So don’t wait anymore and get ready to build your MEAN stack app by applying in the course and unlock major benefits for your team and your product.

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