Data Layer
The Data Layer is a conceptual architectural pattern that separates data access and business logic from the presentation layer in software applications. It typically includes components like repositories, data access objects (DAOs), and services that handle data storage, retrieval, and manipulation, often interacting with databases or external APIs. This abstraction promotes maintainability, testability, and scalability by centralizing data operations.
Developers should implement a Data Layer when building applications that require clean separation of concerns, such as web apps, mobile apps, or enterprise systems, to manage data persistence and business rules independently from UI logic. It is crucial for scenarios involving complex data transformations, multiple data sources (e.g., databases, caches, APIs), or when adhering to patterns like MVC (Model-View-Controller) or Clean Architecture to reduce coupling and improve code organization.