Bounded Context
Bounded Context is a core pattern in Domain-Driven Design (DDD) that defines explicit boundaries within a domain model where a particular model, including its definitions and rules, applies consistently. It isolates subdomains to prevent ambiguity and conflicts in terminology and logic, ensuring that each context has a clear, cohesive purpose. This pattern helps manage complexity in large software systems by breaking them into manageable, autonomous parts.
Developers should learn and use Bounded Context when building complex enterprise applications with multiple subdomains, such as e-commerce platforms or financial systems, to avoid confusion from overlapping terms and rules. It is essential in DDD to ensure that models remain focused and maintainable, facilitating team collaboration and reducing integration issues. Use cases include microservices architecture, where each service can align with a bounded context for independent development and deployment.