Advantages and Disadvantages of Three-tier Architecture


A 3−tier application architecture is a modular client−server architecture that consists of a presentation tier, an application tier, and a data tier. The presentation tier is a graphical user interface (GUI) that interacts with the other two tiers; the data tier stores information; the application tier manages logic.

A 3−tier architecture has pros in terms of better horizontal scalability, performance, and availability. When there are three layers, each component can be produced concurrently by a separate team of programmers using a different programming language than the developers of the other levels. The 3−tier paradigm makes it simpler for an organization or software packager to continuously expand an application as new demands and opportunities arise since the programming for one tier can be modified or relocated without affecting the other levels.

Advantages of Three−Tier Architecture

Following are the main advantages of three−tier architecture

  • Data integrity is enhanced. Here, the second tier is where all the updated information passes. It can make sure that only crucial data is permitted to be altered in the database, eliminating the possibility that unreliable client apps will corrupt data.

  • As the client does not have direct access to the database, security is increased because it is more challenging for a client to collect unauthorized data. Because business logic is kept on a secure central server, it is more secure.

  • Applications can use easily scaled components to take advantage of the modular architecture of enabling systems, increasing availability.

  • Due to the separation of tasks, web designers handle presentations, software engineers handle logic, and database administrators handle data models.

  • Each tier is independent of the others, allowing for updates or changes to be made without having an impact on the programme as a whole.

  • Any code defined once in the business layer can be shared by as many components in the presentation layer as there are business layer components.

  • Only essential business layer methods can be displayed in the presentation layer.

  • Before updating the database, presented data can be checked or confirmed at the application layer.

  • Requesters frequently don't see the database's real structure, making any database changes transparent. As a result, a middle−tier process that trades data with other applications can maintain its current user interface even as the underlying database structure is changed.

Disadvantages of three−tier Architecture

Following are the disadvantages of three−tier architecture

  • The three−tier structure makes it difficult for developers to make updates to an application with the agility and flexibility necessary to keep up with the needs of mobile users as well as for operations teams to scale the service up or down to meet demand.

  • An application with a three−tier design is less agile at different stages of the application development process. Although an application's functionality may be broken down into modules, altering any one of them means rebuilding and testing the entire thing. This may require a lot of work.

  • A strong understanding of the object−oriented concept is required.

  • Because it takes more work to create a 3−tier application than a 2−tier application, it is more complicated than the 2−tier client−server computing model. There are two additional sources of communication.

  • There may be a need for a distinct proxy server.

  • Supporting distributed or remote access to data tools is not acceptable.

  • Sometimes the monolithic nature of the code increases the maintenance part.

  • When building 3−tier applications, more effort should typically be implemented due to the increased number of contact points.

  • Increased performance necessitates more work, whereas the 2−tier model can handle the specific job with an automated tool.

  • Since the majority of application logic is controlled by the client, the issues occur while managing software versions and distributing updated versions.

Updated on: 22-Aug-2023

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