domainlongchain

domainlongchain is a software architectural pattern used to structure domain logic as a long chain of interconnected components. Each link in the chain encapsulates a distinct domain concern, receives an input context, and passes control to the next link after performing its logic. The pattern emphasizes decoupled, testable domain services while preserving an explicit, linear flow of domain decisions across multiple bounded contexts.

In a domainlongchain, components implement a common interface such as process(context) and hold a reference to the next component. The chain is traversed by a caller or by an orchestrator; each component can modify the domain context, enforce invariants, perform validations, or enrich data, then pass control forward. Short-circuiting is possible via error signals or flagged results.

Advantages include modularity, easier testing of individual links, and clear separation of concerns; the explicit chain makes auditing of domain decisions straightforward. Drawbacks include potential performance costs, debugging complexity in long chains, and sensitivity to chain ordering; design requires disciplined boundaries to avoid leakage of domain assumptions.

Common use cases: multi-step domain validation, cross-context authorization, staged policy enforcement, or complex business rule evaluation that spans multiple bounded contexts. It often coexists with event-driven patterns, where the terminal link emits domain events.

Relation to other patterns: resembles the chain of responsibility and the pipe pattern; should not be confused with domain-driven design aggregates. Implementations may be language-agnostic; examples appear in enterprise architectures and literature on modular domain design.

See also:

- chain of responsibility

- pipe pattern

- domain-driven design

- workflow orchestration