Lesson 1: Introduction to Three-Tier Architecture in AWS (2/5)
Tags: adhd, aws, devops, techtobe101
Published: 2024-04-29 15:55:01

Welcome to Lesson 1 of "Mastering AWS: Building Three-Tier Infrastructure"! In this first lesson of our series, we'll lay the foundation by exploring the fundamentals of three-tier architecture and its significance in the context of AWS. Whether you're new to cloud computing or looking to deepen your understanding, this lesson will provide valuable insights into one of the core principles of modern application design.

## Understanding Three-Tier Architecture

Three-tier architecture is a software design pattern that divides an application into three distinct layers or tiers: presentation, application, and data. 


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/01a8bxtc33rvgzm4y6ih.png)

Let's break down each tier:

**Presentation Tier:** This tier, also known as the client tier, is responsible for presenting information to users and gathering input. It includes user interfaces, such as web pages, mobile apps, or desktop applications, that interact directly with users.

**Application Tier:** The middle tier, also called the business logic or logic tier, contains the core functionality of the application. It processes user requests, executes business logic, and communicates with the data tier to retrieve or store information. This tier is often implemented using application servers, web servers, or serverless functions.

**Data Tier:** The bottom tier, also known as the data tier or storage tier, is responsible for storing and managing data used by the application. It includes databases, data warehouses, file systems, or any other data storage solutions required by the application.

## Why Three-Tier Architecture Matters



![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/k3i1z6aiye0xdfsdh0m4.png)

Three-tier architecture offers several advantages for building modern applications, especially in cloud environments like AWS:

**Scalability:** By separating concerns into distinct layers, three-tier architecture enables each tier to scale independently, allowing for better resource utilization and improved performance.

**Modularity:** The modular nature of three-tier architecture makes it easier to isolate and troubleshoot issues, enhancing the overall resilience and reliability of the application.

**Security:** Three-tier architecture facilitates the implementation of security measures, such as access controls and encryption, at each layer, helping to protect sensitive data and mitigate security threats. You can not move from the first tier to the very sensitive data in the third tier, without first having sufficient access to the 2nd tier.

## Dangers of Alternative Architecture Types


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0mslk6nkb65pidea3oxl.png)

While three-tier architecture offers many benefits, alternative architectures like _monolithic_ or _two-tier architectures_ have their drawbacks. Monolithic architectures, for example, can suffer from scalability and maintainability issues, while two-tier architectures may lack the flexibility and resilience needed for modern applications.

In our next lesson, we'll explore practical examples of three-tier architecture in AWS and discuss how to implement this architecture using AWS services. Get ready to dive deeper into the world of cloud computing and learn how to design scalable and resilient applications in AWS!

Stay tuned for the next article in our series, where we'll dive into the practical aspects of implementing a three-tier infrastructure in AWS. Let's build effective and industry standard architectures together!