Benefits and Drawbacks of Monolithic and Modular Blockchains

• Modular blockchains have higher adaptability and flexibility
• Monolithic blockchains are less complex but that affects their adaptability

Monolithic and modular blockchains are two different approaches or frameworks to building a blockchain infrastructure. Monolith blockchains have all their components embedded in one single codebase. In contrast, modular blockchain is more dynamic and has a multitude of models, which allows developers more flexibility by allowing them to create individual modules that they can upgrade or replace on their own.

Pros And Cons of Monolithic Blockchain

As stated above, a monolithic blockchain comprises one independent codebase or component. In that component, all the critical features are provided, which are required for the blockchain system. The base consensus layer facilitates the availability of data, the settlement of transactions and the final execution.

As these layers are integrated into one another, developers cannot disintegrate or separate them from one another within the same system. Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency built on a monolithic blockchain architecture. It’s the base consensus layer of the Bitcoin blockchain, which has reliable data storage and fund transfers. 

The biggest pros of a monolithic blockchain are that it gets more compatible and makes it easier to deploy all the data in its one codebase. The deployment time is short, the maintenance cost is on the lower side and the overall user experience gets simplified.

There are a few cons that need to be considered here. For example, since all the components are integrated and have a complete reliance on one single codebase, it escalates the risk of potential failure. Monolithic blockchains are not very flexible, which can lead to slow development cycles. Source limits for nodes, such as limited bandwidth or storage of data, can have a major effect on blockchain efficiency.

Pros and Cons of Modular Blockchains

Modular blockchains are the most utilized and are getting more recognized due to the intrinsic fact that they offer users independence and flexibility in terms of how they want to execute and operate their transactions. Nodes are self-operating and can eventually execute transactions on their own without any dependence on each other. There are no integrations or links between the nodes.

Upgrading or replacing individual components or nodes without reorienting the entire system is possible in a modular blockchain. It is more conducive for developers, as the addition or modification of new features is fairly simple. Modular blockchain is less susceptible to failure as individual components are not interlinked with each other, making it easier to scale up the whole network under modular infrastructure.

One of the major cons of a modular blockchain is that it requires more resources to run and function. High volume requirements of computing power and bandwidth can cause repercussions. A modular blockchain is less secure than a monolithic one because it has less authority and control over each module’s codebase.

Conclusion

Modular blockchain allows users to personalize their blockchain network as they desire and offers good adaptability and flexibility. Modular blockchains outperform traditional monolithic blockchains, which have many limitations.