MicroService Architecture (MSA), a predominant architectural style in recent years, still faces the arduous task of identifying the boundaries of microservices. Domain-Driven Design (DDD) is regarded as one of the major design methods for addressing this task in practice, which aims to iteratively build domain models using a series of patterns, principles, and practices. The adoption of DDD for MSA ( DDD4M in short) can, however, present considerable challenges in terms of a sufficient understanding of the methodological requirements and the application domains. It is imperative to establish a systematic understanding about the various aspects of employing DDD4M and provide effective guidance. This study reports an empirical inquiry that integrates a systematic literature review and a confirmatory survey. By reviewing 34 scientific studies and consulting 63 practitioners, this study reveals several distinctive findings with regard to the state and challenges of as well as the possible solutions for DDD4M applications, from the 5W1H perspectives: When , Where , Why , Who , What , and How . The analysis and synthesis of evidence show a wide variation in understanding of domain modeling artifacts. The status quo indicates the need for further methodological support in terms of application process, domain model design and implementation, and domain knowledge acquisition and management. To advance the state-of-the-practice, our findings were organized into a preliminary checklist that intends to assist practitioners by illuminating a DDD4M application process and the specific key considerations along the way.

中文翻译：

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微服务领域驱动设计：基于证据的调查


微服务架构（MSA）作为近年来的主流架构风格，仍然面临着识别微服务边界的艰巨任务。领域驱动设计（DDD）被认为是在实践中解决这一任务的主要设计方法之一，旨在使用一系列模式、原则和实践迭代地构建领域模型。然而，在 MSA 中采用 DDD（简称 DDD4M）可能会在充分理解方法要求和应用领域方面带来相当大的挑战。当务之急是对使用 DDD4M 的各个方面建立系统的了解并提供有效的指导。本研究报告了一项实证调查，整合了系统文献综述和验证性调查。通过回顾 34 项科学研究并咨询 63 位从业者，本研究从 5W1H 的角度揭示了关于 DDD4M 应用程序的状态和挑战以及可能的解决方案的几个独特发现：何时、何地、为什么、谁、什么和如何 。证据的分析和综合表明，对领域建模工件的理解存在很大差异。现状表明，在应用流程、领域模型设计与实现、领域知识获取与管理等方面需要进一步的方法论支持。为了推进实践现状，我们的调查结果被组织成一个初步清单，旨在通过阐明 DDD4M 申请流程和整个过程中的具体关键考虑因素来帮助从业者。