Vertical Slice Architecture
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Slices by feature, not by layer.
Definition
Vertical Slice: each feature contains its query/command, handler, validator, DTO, migration. Reduces coupling between features and enables independent deployment. Often paired with CQRS and MediatR (.NET). Antithesis to classic N-tier.
Origin
Concept popularised by Jimmy Bogard in 2018 in blog post Vertical Slice Architecture.
Example in context
An EDI marketplace structures code by slice: ImportInvoice, ExportASN, ValidateAGR — each slice is self-contained.
Related terms
- CQRS — sibling pattern.