domF

Domf is a term used in theoretical software architecture to describe a family of frameworks that aim to unify domain modeling with asynchronous messaging to support distributed systems. It is not a single product but an umbrella concept; definitions and implementations vary across sources.

Origins and development: The concept emerged from the convergence of Domain-Driven Design and event-driven architecture in the 2010s. Practitioners use Domf to discuss how domain objects can communicate through events and messages across service boundaries, emphasizing coherent domain models and reliable integration.

Design principles and features: Core aims include modeling domain entities as first-class objects within a unified framework, using asynchronous messaging for interaction, and preserving loose coupling while enabling eventual consistency across domains. Typical features include domain event streams, versioned schemas, pluggable persistence layers, and adapters that connect to other services and data stores.

Applications: Domf concepts appear in discussions on building microservices, cross-domain workflows, data synchronization between bounded contexts, and orchestration or simulation environments where multiple domains must interact reliably and scalably.

Variants and reception: As a broad umbrella, Domf has been praised for clarifying domain boundaries and improving resilience in integration, but criticized for added complexity and the lack of standardized definitions, which can lead to fragmented implementations or vendor lock-in.

See also: Domain-driven design, event-driven architecture, distributed systems, microservices, messaging frameworks.