Interfacing indecently

In this section, we will look at two common anti-patterns that affect the design of integrations at a concrete level. The first, fat interface, looks at a problem with interface design, while the second, chatty integration, looks at a problem with how interfaces are used.

Fat interface

When a single interface starts doing too many things, you run into a host of problems.

Example

Joe works as an integration architect for a small Salesforce partner that specializes in complex implementations often requiring substantial amounts of code or other kinds of customization. He has just started a new contract with RealCo, a major real estate investment company that uses Salesforce as the key system of engagement across the entire business.

The work he is initially contracted to do includes building a custom interface for accessing information about valuations, which is used by RealCo’s partners as part of making deals. The information is held in RealCo...