Port and Adapter
Also called: Ports and Adapters, Hexagonal Architecture
An architectural pattern that isolates core application logic from external systems through ports and interchangeable adapters.
Explore more about Interoperability Patterns
Related terms
A software component or pattern that enables incompatible systems, interfaces, or protocols to work together by translating requests, responses, or data formats.
ConnectorA software component that enables communication and data exchange between different systems, services, applications, or external resources.
FacadeAn interoperability pattern that provides a simplified, unified interface to a more complex system, service, or collection of components, reducing integration complexity and hiding underlying implementation details.
Interface ContractA formal specification that defines how software components, services, APIs, or AI agents interact by describing supported operations, input and output formats, data types, protocols, constraints, and expected behavior, ensuring consistent and interoperable communication.
Integration LayerAn architectural layer that mediates communication between applications, services, AI agents, and external systems by handling data transformation, protocol translation, routing, authentication, and orchestration to enable seamless interoperability.
Compatibility LayerAn abstraction layer that enables incompatible systems, APIs, or software components to work together without requiring direct modifications.