Experiences with Transitioning to Monorepo - Is It Really That Difficult?

The article on the Ente blog presents a retrospective on the use of monorepos, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of this approach to code management. A monorepo, or 'monolithic repository', involves storing the code for multiple projects in a single repository. One of the main benefits of this approach is the simplification of dependency management between projects, allowing for easier collaboration among teams that may be working on different projects while still accessing all necessary resources simultaneously. However, it also poses challenges with code size and management, especially in larger teams where version management becomes more complex. The article highlights that a monorepo can influence a developer's mindset about code, as shared code across different projects encourages reuse and better quality management, making it harder to write 'quick and dirty' solutions.

With the increase in popularity of monorepos, many companies are adopting this practice and learning from their experiences. They're discovering the importance of setting up proper tooling and processes that help streamline development and reduce potential overhead caused by managing a vast codebase. Overall, the retrospective provides valuable insights into the lessons learned from implementing monorepos, signaling that while it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, it certainly offers opportunities for enhanced collaboration and efficiency in software development. It's essential for companies considering this model to critically assess their unique situations and plan accordingly.