Dark matter and dark energy are mysterious concepts from astrophysics that are used to explain observations of distant stars and galaxies. The Microservices pattern language - a collection of patterns that solve architecture, design, development, and operational problems — enables software developers to use the microservice architecture effectively. But how could there possibly be a connection between microservices and these esoteric concepts from astrophysics?  
 
In this presentation, I describe how dark energy and dark matter are excellent metaphors for the competing forces (a.k.a. concerns) that must be resolved by the microservices pattern language. You will learn that dark energy, which is an anti-gravity, is a metaphor for the repulsive forces that encourage decomposition into services. I describe how dark matter, which is an invisible matter that has a gravitational effect, is a metaphor for the attractive forces that resist decomposition and encourage the use of a monolithic architecture. You will learn how to use the dark energy and dark matter forces as guide when designing services and operations.