VERTICAL-SLICE-ARCHITECTURE

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.