When diving into a completely new domain of expertise, there are two primary approaches you can take:

  1. Depth-First Search (DFS) – A structured, deep dive into a single topic at a time.
  2. Breadth-First Search (BFS) – A more scattered, high-level overview of many topics to quickly understand the landscape.

Each approach has strengths and is useful depending on the context. Let’s break down when and how to use them.

Depth-First Search: Going Deep into a Topic

The depth-first approach is all about immersing yourself in a single topic until you master it. It involves picking one area of a new domain and studying it extensively before moving on to another subtopic.

When to Use DFS

  • When the domain is complex and requires strong foundational knowledge.
  • When you need to build deep expertise in a specific area.
  • When understanding underlying principles is more valuable than immediate application.

Example: Moving from Monolith to Microservices Using DFS

Let’s say you’re learning about migrating from monolithic architecture to microservices using DFS. A structured approach might look like this:

  1. Understand the core principles – Learn why companies move from monoliths to microservices, the trade-offs, and key challenges.
  2. Study service decomposition – Explore domain-driven design (DDD), bounded contexts, and how to split a monolith into smaller services.
  3. Learn API communication – Understand REST, GraphQL, and gRPC to facilitate service interactions.
  4. Explore deployment strategies – Learn about containerization with Docker, orchestration with Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines for microservices.
  5. Analyze real-world case studies – Read how Netflix, Uber, and Amazon transitioned to microservices.

By following DFS, you build a deep and structured understanding, which is ideal if you’re working on a long-term project or becoming an expert in the field.

Breadth-First Search: Rapid Prototyping and Quick Learning

The breadth-first approach is more exploratory and chaotic but great for fast learning. Instead of going deep into one topic, you skim multiple topics at once, getting a broad view of the domain.

When to Use BFS

  • When you need quick results or a working prototype.
  • When you are exploring a new field and want to get a sense of the landscape.
  • When working on a time-sensitive project and need to learn just enough to get started.

Example: Moving from Monolith to Microservices Using BFS

Instead of going deep into each topic, BFS would involve jumping between topics to get a quick, practical understanding. It might look like this:

  1. Spin up a Docker container – Deploy a simple microservice without fully understanding the theory.
  2. Try an API Gateway – Use Kong or Traefik to route traffic between services without fully learning about service discovery.
  3. Run quick performance tests – Compare a monolithic app vs. microservices in a cloud environment.
  4. Experiment with a message broker – Test Kafka for event-driven architecture without diving into internals.
  5. Deploy a microservice on Kubernetes – See how it works without worrying about full networking configurations.

BFS is particularly useful when you need results fast or are working in an experimental setting where iteration is key.

Which Approach is Better?

The answer depends on your goal:

Factor Depth-First Search (DFS) Breadth-First Search (BFS)
Goal Deep expertise, long-term mastery Quick learning, prototyping
Best For Understanding core principles, solving complex problems Exploring new fields, rapid iteration
Learning Speed Slower but more structured Faster but scattered
Risk Can get stuck in too much theory Might lack fundamental understanding
Example Use Case Becoming a microservices architect Quickly migrating a small feature to microservices

A balanced approach often works best:

  • Start with BFS to understand the domain quickly.
  • Use DFS when you identify a key area that needs deep knowledge.

For instance, you might use BFS to quickly set up a microservices project, then switch to DFS to properly learn service orchestration and monitoring.

Final Thoughts

Approaching a new domain is like exploring a vast landscape. Some people prefer to map out the entire terrain first (BFS), while others start digging in one area to find treasure (DFS).

Ultimately, the key is knowing when to switch between the two. BFS helps you get started, while DFS ensures you truly master a subject.

P.S. Before all of that if the domain is completely new, learn the terminology it will speed up your search and interation frequency.