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How to Host an ARK Server: Detailed Guide

How to Host an ARK Server: Detailed Guide
Hostman Team
Technical writer
Infrastructure

Have you ever wondered why ARK: Survival Evolved is so popular among the masses? The question is simple - the world is massive, the challenges are tough, and teaming up with friends brings it all to life. But what if you're tired of lag, trolls, or losing progress on shared public servers? This is why you need to host your own ARK dedicated server.

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to host an ARK server on your own machine or through a cloud provider like Hostman. We'll walk through everything you need—from setup to launch.

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Ark: Survival Evolved servers list

Key Takeaways

  • A dedicated ARK server gives you full control over settings, players, mods, and performance.
  • You can host your own ARK server on Windows or Linux using SteamCMD.
  • ARK servers require solid hardware—at least 16 GB RAM and a fast CPU are recommended.
  • Hosting through cloud providers like Hostman can simplify setup and improve uptime.
  • With the right configuration, your ARK server can run smoothly, even with custom maps and mods.

What Is an ARK Dedicated Server?

An ARK dedicated server is a private environment where your game world runs independently of the default multiplayer options. Instead of relying on Studio Wildcard’s shared servers, you run your own—from your PC or a remote cloud instance. That means you can control the experience all by yourself, only limited by your own morals.

You can host PvE or PvP sessions, manage mods, control who joins, and set your own rules. For groups that want a consistent, customizable experience, it’s the best way to play.

Benefits of Playing ARK: Survival Evolved Online

While ARK is a good game for solo leveling experience, the game truly shines in multiplayer. Building a base, taming dinosaurs, and exploring tropical maps becomes even more rewarding with others. Here’s why:

  • Shared workload: More fun when you play with your friends.
  • Faster progression: Gather resources, craft tools, and level up faster in cooperation with friends.
  • Social connection: It's more fun to build, battle, and explore.
  • PvP opportunities: Challenge others in combat or form alliances.
  • Knowledge sharing: Let the new players learn quickly from experienced survivors.

Multiplayer isn't just about more people—it's about better gameplay, deeper strategy, and shared stories that keep you coming back.

Why Do You Need an ARK Dedicated Server?

It’s not always useful to rely on public servers since they can lead to a traumatizing experience in ARK: Survival Evolved. A lot of external factors can ruin your game session, among them—lags, cheaters, trolls, server wipes. If you choose to run your own ARK server you become more worry-free of these problems if you have a desire to play peacefully.

You can set your own rules, choose who gets access, and configure performance settings based on your needs. Want to tame dinos faster? Adjust the multipliers. Prefer PvE over PvP? You decide. Plus, your game world will stay active even when you’re not logged in.

Hosting your own server (especially with Hostman’s VPS Server) helps you to stop relying on your own (or someone elses) hardware, which is often the case in peer-hosted multiplayer games. It can be frustrating when the host logs out or their machine crashes, meaning that session ends for everyone. A dedicated setup avoids this entirely.

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An example of how to setup your own rule on Ark dedicated server

How To Setup an ARK Game Server: Detailed Guide

Setting up an ARK dedicated server is pretty simple. Let’s show you some useful steps.

Step 1: Prepare Your Server

Before anything else, make sure your system meets the recommended ark server requirements:

  • CPU: Quad-core, 3.5 GHz or higher
  • RAM: At least 16 GB (more if using mods)
  • Storage: 50 GB SSD minimum
  • Upload Bandwidth: 20 Mbps+

You can use Windows or Linux, but many prefer Linux for its stability and lower resource consumption. Make sure your OS is 64-bit and kept up to date.

Step 2: Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is the command-line tool used to install game server files.

To install SteamCMD on Linux:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install steamcmd

On Windows:

  1. Download SteamCMD from the official site.
  2. Extract it to C:\steamcmd.
  3. Run steamcmd.exe.

Step 3: Install ARK Server Files

Create a folder for the ARK server installation:

mkdir ark-server && cd ark-server

Launch SteamCMD and download the ARK server using the anonymous login:

steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./ark-server +app_update 376030 validate +quit

Use 2430930 if you want to install ARK: Survival Ascended instead of the classic version.

Step 4: Configure the Server

Once installed, navigate to:

cd ark-server/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/

Or on Windows:

C:\ark-server\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\

Create and edit these two files:

  • GameUserSettings.ini
  • Game.ini

Basic settings to add:

[ServerSettings]
ServerAdminPassword=YourAdminPass
ServerPassword=OptionalPlayerPass
SessionName=HostmanARKServer

Add any gameplay tweaks here as needed (e.g., dino taming speed, resource multipliers).

Step 5: Open Required Ports

Make sure your firewall and hosting provider allow traffic through these ports:

  • UDP 7777 – Game port
  • UDP 27015 – Query port
  • UDP 27020 – RCON port (optional)

On Linux:

sudo ufw allow 7777/udp
sudo ufw allow 27015/udp
sudo ufw allow 27020/udp

Step 6: Start the ARK Server

You can launch the server using a startup script. 

For Linux:

./ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/ShooterGameServer TheIsland?SessionName=HostmanARKServer?ServerPassword=MyPass?ServerAdminPassword=MyAdminPass?listen -server -log

For Windows, create a batch file like this:

start ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?SessionName=HostmanARKServer?ServerPassword=MyPass?ServerAdminPassword=MyAdminPass?QueryPort=27015?Port=7777?listen

Double-click the .bat file to start your server.

Step 7: Join Your ARK Server

To connect:

  1. Launch ARK: Survival Evolved
  2. Click Join ARK
  3. Set filter to Unofficial
  4. Search your server name or IP address

If your server doesn’t appear, go to SteamView → Servers → Favorites and manually add:

your.server.ip:27015

Now you’re ready to enter your world!

Conclusion

Running your own ark dedicated server gives you full control over your ARK: Survival Evolved experience. This is way better if you want to dedicate your precious time to your beloved game, where you want to build a small and warm community of players.

If you're just getting started, consider launching your ARK server on a reliable cloud provider. A VPS from Hostman, for example, allows you to scale resources as your community grows, while enjoying a simplified deployment process and responsive support.

FAQ

What are the minimum ARK server requirements?

For smooth gameplay, your server should have at least a quad-core CPU (3.5 GHz or higher), 16 GB of RAM, and an SSD with 50 GB or more of free space. A stable internet connection with at least 20 Mbps upload speed is also essential.

Can I host an ARK server on my own PC?

Yes, you can self-host an ARK server from your own machine, but this works best for small groups and limited sessions. 

How many players can join my ARK dedicated server?

The player limit depends on your hardware and internet bandwidth. With proper specs (16 GB RAM and above), you can comfortably support 10–30 players.

Is hosting an ARK server free?

You can host it for free on your own hardware, but you’ll cover electricity, bandwidth, and maintenance costs.

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In house construction, a foreman manages the team, a lumberjack cuts trees, a loader carries logs, a painter paints walls, a plumber lays pipes, a designer creates the interior, etc. Everyone is busy with their own work and works only within their competencies. In SRP, everything is exactly the same. For example, RequestHandler processes HTTP requests, FileStorage manages local files, Logger records information, and AuthManager checks access rights. As they say, "flies separately, cutlets separately." If a class has several responsibilities, they need to be separated. Naturally, SRP directly affects code cohesion and coupling. Both properties are similar in sound but differ in meaning: Cohesion: A positive characteristic meaning logical integrity of classes relative to each other. The higher the cohesion, the narrower the class functionality. Coupling: A negative characteristic meaning logical dependency of classes on each other. The higher the coupling, the more strongly the functionality of one class is intertwined with the functionality of another class. SRP strives to increase cohesion but decrease coupling of classes. Each class solves its narrow task, remaining as independent as possible from the external environment (other classes). However, all classes can (and should) still interact with each other through interfaces. Example of SRP Violation An object of a class capable of performing many diverse functions is sometimes called a god object, i.e., an instance of a class that takes on too many responsibilities, performing many logically unrelated functions, for example, business logic management, data storage, database work, sending notifications, etc. Example code in Python where SRP is violated: # implementation of god object class class DataProcessorGod: # data loading method def load(self, file_path): with open(file_path, 'r') as file: return file.readlines() # data processing method def transform(self, data): return [line.strip().upper() for line in data] # data saving method def save(self, file_path, data): with open(file_path, 'w') as file: file.writelines("\n".join(data)) # creating a god object justGod = DataProcessorGod() # data processing data = justGod.load("input.txt") processed_data = justGod.transform(data) justGod.save("output.txt", processed_data) The functionality of the program from this example can be divided into two types: File operations Data transformation Accordingly, to create a more optimal level of abstractions that allows easy scaling of the program in the future, it is necessary to allocate each functionality its own separate class. Example of SRP Application The shown program is best represented as two specialized classes that don't know about each other: DataManager: For file operations.  DataTransformer: For data transformation. Example code in Python where SRP is used: class DataManager: def load(self, file_path): with open(file_path, 'r') as file: return file.readlines() def save(self, file_path, data): with open(file_path, 'w') as file: file.writelines("\n".join(data)) class DataTransformer: def transform(self, data): return [line.strip().upper() for line in data.text] # creating specialized objects manager = DataManager() transformer = DataTransformer() # data processing data = manager.load("input.txt") processed_data = transformer.transform(data) manager.save("output.txt", processed_data) In this case, DataManager and DataTransformer interact with each other using strings that are passed as arguments to their methods. In a more complex implementation, there could exist an additional Data class used for transferring data between different program components: class Data: def __init__(self): self.text = "" class DataManager: def load(self, file_path, data): with open(file_path, 'r') as file: data.text = file.readlines() def save(self, file_path, data): with open(file_path, 'w') as file: file.writelines("\n".join(data.text)) class DataTransformer: def transform(self, data): data.text = [line.strip().upper() for line in data.text] # creating specialized objects manager = DataManager() transformer = DataTransformer() # data processing data = Data() manager.load("input.txt", data) transformer.transform(data) manager.save("output.txt", data) In this case, low-level data operations are wrapped in user classes. Such an implementation is easy to scale. For example, you can add many methods for working with files (DataManager) and data (DataTransformer), as well as complicate the internal representation of stored information (Data). SRP Advantages Undoubtedly, SRP simplifies application maintenance, makes code readable, and reduces dependency between program parts: Increased scalability: Adding new functions to the program doesn't confuse its logic. A class solving only one task is easier to change without risk of breaking other parts of the system. Reusability: Logically coherent components implementing program logic can be reused to create new behavior. Testing simplification: Classes with one responsibility are easier to cover with unit tests, as they don't contain unnecessary logic inside. Improved readability: Logically related functions wrapped in one class look more understandable. They are easier to understand, make changes to, and find errors in. Collaborative development: Logically separated code can be written by several programmers at once. In this case, each works on a separate component. In other words, a class should be responsible for only one task. If several responsibilities are concentrated in a class, it's more difficult to maintain without side effects for the entire program. Open/Closed Principle (OCP) OCP (Open/Closed Principle) is the open/closed principle, which states that code should be open for extension but closed for modification. In other words, program behavior modification is carried out only by adding new components. New functionality is layered on top of the old. In practice, OCP is implemented through inheritance, interfaces, abstractions, and polymorphism. Instead of changing existing code, new classes and functions are added. For example, instead of implementing a single class that processes all HTTP requests (RequestHandler), you can create one connection manager class (HTTPManager) and several classes for processing different HTTP request methods: RequestGet, RequestPost, RequestDelete. At the same time, request processing classes inherit from the base handler class, Request. Accordingly, implementing new request processing methods will require not modifying already existing classes, but adding new ones. For example, RequestHead, RequestPut, RequestConnect, RequestOptions, RequestTrace, RequestPatch. Example of OCP Violation Without OCP, any change in program operation logic (its behavior) will require modification of its components. Example code in Python where OCP is violated: # single request processing class class RequestHandler: def handle_request(self, method): if method == "GET": return "Processing GET request" elif method == "POST": return "Processing POST request" elif method == "DELETE": return "Processing DELETE request" elif method == "PUT": return "Processing PUT request" else: return "Method not supported" # request processing handler = RequestHandler() print(handler.handle_request("GET")) # Processing GET request print(handler.handle_request("POST")) # Processing POST request print(handler.handle_request("PATCH")) # Method not supported Such implementation violates OCP. When adding new methods, you'll have to modify the RequestHandler class, adding new elif processing conditions. The more complex a program with such architecture becomes, the harder it will be to maintain and scale. Example of OCP Application The request handler from the example above can be divided into several classes in such a way that subsequent program behavior changes don't require modification of already created classes. Abstract example code in Python where OCP is used: from abc import ABC, abstractmethod # base request handler class class Request(ABC): @abstractmethod def handle(self): pass # classes for processing different HTTP methods class RequestGet(Request): def handle(self): return "Processing GET request" class RequestPost(Request): def handle(self): return "Processing POST request" class RequestDelete(Request): def handle(self): return "Processing DELETE request" class RequestHead(Request): def handle(self): return "Processing HEAD request" class RequestPut(Request): def handle(self): return "Processing PUT request" class RequestConnect(Request): def handle(self): return "Processing CONNECT request" class RequestOptions(Request): def handle(self): return "Processing OPTIONS request" class RequestTrace(Request): def handle(self): return "Processing TRACE request" class RequestPatch(Request): def handle(self): return "Processing PATCH request" # connection manager class class HTTPManager: def __init__(self): self.handlers = {} def register_handler(self, method: str, handler: Request): self.handlers[method.upper()] = handler def handle_request(self, method: str): handler = self.handlers.get(method.upper()) if handler: return handler.handle() return "Method not supported" # registering handlers in the manager http_manager = HTTPManager() http_manager.register_handler("GET", RequestGet()) http_manager.register_handler("POST", RequestPost()) http_manager.register_handler("DELETE", RequestDelete()) http_manager.register_handler("PUT", RequestPut()) # request processing print(http_manager.handle_request("GET")) print(http_manager.handle_request("POST")) print(http_manager.handle_request("PUT")) print(http_manager.handle_request("TRACE")) In this case, the base Request class is implemented using ABC and @abstractmethod: ABC (Abstract Base Class): This is a base class in Python from which you cannot create an instance directly. It is needed exclusively for defining subclasses. @abstractmethod: A decorator designating a method as abstract. That is, each subclass must implement this method, otherwise creating its instance will be impossible. Despite the fact that the program code became longer and more complex, its maintenance was significantly simplified. The handler implementation now looks more structured and understandable. OCP Advantages Following OCP endows the application development process with some advantages: Clear extensibility: Program logic can be easily supplemented with new functionality. At the same time, already implemented components remain unchanged. Error reduction: Adding new components is safer than changing already existing ones. The risk of breaking an already working program is small, and errors after additions probably come from new components. Actually, OCP can be compared with SRP in terms of ability to isolate the implementation of individual classes from each other. The difference is only that SRP works horizontally, and OCP vertically. For example, in the case of SRP, the Request class is logically separated from the Handler class horizontally. This is SRP. At the same time, the RequestGet and RequestPost classes, which specify the request method, are logically separated from the Request class vertically, although they are its inheritors. This is OCP. All three classes (Request, RequestGet, RequestPost) are fully subjective and autonomous; they can be used separately. Just like Handler. Although, of course, this is a matter of theoretical interpretations. Thus, thanks to OCP, you can create new program components based on old ones, leaving both completely independent entities. Liskov Substitution Principle (LSP) LSP (Liskov Substitution Principle) is the Liskov substitution principle, which states that objects in a program should be replaceable by their inheritors without changing program correctness. In other words, inheritor classes should completely preserve the behavior of their parents. Barbara Liskov is an American computer scientist specializing in data abstractions. For example, there is a Vehicle class. Car and Helicopter classes inherit from it. Tesla inherits from Car, and Apache from Helicopter. Thus, each subsequent class (inheritor) adds new properties to the previous one (parent). Vehicles can start and turn off engines. Cars are capable of driving. Helicopters, flying. At the same time, the Tesla car model is capable of using autopilot, and Apache, radio broadcasting. This creates a kind of hierarchy of abilities: Vehicles start and turn off engines. Cars start and turn off engines, and, as a consequence, drive. Tesla starts and turns off the engine, drives, and uses autopilot. Helicopters start and turn off engines, and, as a consequence, fly. Apache starts and turns off engine, flies, and radio broadcasts. The more specific the vehicle class, the more abilities it possesses. But basic abilities are also preserved. Example of LSP Violation Example code in Python where LSP is violated: class Vehicle: def __init__(self): self.x = 0 self.y = 0 self.z = 0 self.engine = False def on(self): if not self.engine: self.engine = True return "Engine started" else: return "Engine already started" def off(self): if self.engine: self.engine = False return "Engine turned off" else: return "Engine already turned off" def move(self): if self.engine: self.x += 10 self.y += 10 self.z += 10 return "Vehicle moved" else: return "Engine not started" # various vehicle classes class Car(Vehicle): def move(self): if self.engine: self.x += 1 self.y += 1 return "Car drove" else: return "Engine not started" class Helicopter(Vehicle): def move(self): if self.engine: self.x += 1 self.y += 1 self.z += 1 return "Helicopter flew" else: return "Engine not started" def radio(self): return "Buzz...buzz...buzz..." In this case, the parent Vehicle class has a move() method denoting vehicle movement. Inheriting classes override the basic Vehicle behavior, setting their own movement method. Example of LSP Application Following LSP, it's logical to assume that Car and Helicopter should preserve movement ability, adding unique types of movement on their own: driving and flying. Example code in Python where LSP is used: # base vehicle class class Vehicle: def __init__(self): self.x = 0 self.y = 0 self.z = 0 self.engine = False def on(self): if not self.engine: self.engine = True return "Engine started" else: return "Engine already started" def off(self): if self.engine: self.engine = False return "Engine turned off" else: return "Engine already turned off" def move(self): if self.engine: self.x += 10 self.y += 10 self.z += 10 return "Vehicle moved" else: return "Engine not started" # various vehicle classes class Car(Vehicle): def ride(self): if self.engine: self.x += 1 self.y += 1 return "Car drove" else: return "Engine not started" class Helicopter(Vehicle): def fly(self): if self.engine: self.x += 1 self.y += 1 self.z += 1 return "Helicopter flew" else: return "Engine not started" def radio(self): return "Buzz...buzz...buzz..." class Tesla(Car): def __init__(self): super().__init__() self.autopilot = False def switch(self): if self.autopilot: self.autopilot = False return "Autopilot turned off" else: self.autopilot = True return "Autopilot turned on" class Apache(Helicopter): def __init__(self): super().__init__() self.frequency = 103.4 def radio(self): if self.frequency != 0: return "Buzz...buzz...Copy, how do you hear? [" + str(self.frequency) + " GHz]" else: return "Seems like the radio isn't working..." In this case, Car and Helicopter, just like Tesla and Apache derived from them, will preserve the original Vehicle behavior. Each inheritor adds new behavior to the parent class but preserves its own. LSP Advantages Code following LSP works with parent classes the same way as with their inheritors. This way you can implement interfaces capable of interacting with objects of different types but with common properties. Interface Segregation Principle (ISP) ISP (Interface Segregation Principle) is the interface segregation principle, which states that program classes should not depend on methods they don't use. This means that each class should contain only the methods it needs. It should not "drag" unnecessary "baggage" with it. Therefore, instead of one large interface, it's better to create several small specialized interfaces. In many ways, ISP has features of SRP and LSP, but differs from them. Example of ISP Violation Example code in Python that ignores ISP: # base vehicle class Vehicle: def __init__(self): self.hp = 100 self.power = 0 self.wheels = 0 self.frequency = 103.4 def ride(self): if self.power > 0 and self.wheels > 0: return "Driving" else: return "Standing" # vehicles class Car(Vehicle): def __init__(self): super().__init__() self.hp = 80 self.power = 250 self.wheels = 4 class Bike(Vehicle): def __init__(self): super().__init__() self.hp = 60 self.power = 150 self.wheels = 2 class Helicopter(Vehicle): def __init__(self): super().__init__() self.hp = 120 self.power = 800 def fly(self): if self.power > 0 and self.propellers > 0: return "Flying" else: return "Standing" def radio(self): if self.frequency != 0: return "Buzz...buzz...Copy, how do you hear? [" + str(self.frequency) + " GHz]" else: return "Seems like the radio isn't working..." # creating vehicles bmw = Car() ducati = Bike() apache = Helicopter() # operating vehicles print(bmw.ride()) # OUTPUT: Driving print(ducati.ride()) # OUTPUT: Driving print(apache.ride()) # OUTPUT: Standing (redundant method) print(apache.radio()) # OUTPUT: Buzz...buzz...Copy, how do you hear? [103.4 GHz] In this case, the base vehicle class implements properties and methods that are redundant for some of its inheritors. Example of ISP Application Example code in Python that follows ISP: # simple vehicle components class Body: def __init__(self): self.hp = 100 class Engine: def __init__(self): self.power = 0 class Radio: def __init__(self): self.frequency = 103.4 def communicate(self): if self.frequency != 0: return "Buzz...buzz...Copy, how do you hear? [" + str(self.frequency) + " GHz]" else: return "Seems like the radio isn't working..." # complex vehicle components class Suspension(Engine): def __init__(self): super().__init__() self.wheels = 0 def ride(self): if self.power > 0 and self.wheels > 0: return "Driving" else: return "Standing" class Frame(Engine): def __init__(self): super().__init__() self.propellers = 0 def fly(self): if self.power > 0 and self.propellers > 0: return "Flying" else: return "Standing" # vehicles class Car(Body, Suspension): def __init__(self): super().__init__() self.hp = 80 self.power = 250 self.wheels = 4 class Bike(Body, Suspension): def __init__(self): super().__init__() self.hp = 60 self.power = 150 self.wheels = 2 class Helicopter(Body, Frame, Radio): def __init__(self): super().__init__() self.hp = 120 self.power = 800 self.propellers = 2 self.frequency = 107.6 class Plane(Body, Frame): def __init__(self): super().__init__() self.hp = 200 self.power = 1200 self.propellers = 4 # creating vehicles bmw = Car() ducati = Bike() apache = Helicopter() boeing = Plane() # operating vehicles print(bmw.ride()) # OUTPUT: Driving print(ducati.ride()) # OUTPUT: Driving print(apache.fly()) # OUTPUT: Flying print(apache.communicate()) # OUTPUT: Buzz...buzz...Copy, how do you hear? [107.6 GHz] print(boeing.fly()) # OUTPUT: Flying Thus, all vehicles represent a set of components with their own properties and methods. No finished vehicle class carries an unnecessary element or capability "on board." ISP Advantages Thanks to ISP, classes contain only the necessary variables and methods. Moreover, dividing large interfaces into small ones allows specializing logic in the spirit of SRP. This way interfaces are built from small blocks, like a constructor, each of which implements only its zone of responsibility. Dependency Inversion Principle (DIP) DIP (Dependency Inversion Principle) is the dependency inversion principle, which states that upper-level components should not depend on lower-level components. In other words, abstractions should not depend on details. Details should depend on abstractions. Such architecture is achieved through common interfaces that hide the implementation of underlying objects. Example of DIP Violation Example code in Python that doesn't follow DIP: # projector class Light(): def __init__(self, wavelength): self.wavelength = wavelength def use(self): return "Lighting [" + str(self.wavelength) + " nm]" # helicopter class Helicopter: def __init__(self, color="white"): if color == "white": self.light = Light(600) elif color == "blue": self.light = Light(450) elif color == "red": self.light = Light(650) def project(self): return self.light.use() # creating vehicles helicopterWhite = Helicopter("white") helicopterRed = Helicopter("red") # operating vehicles print(helicopterWhite.project()) # OUTPUT: Lighting [600 nm] print(helicopterRed.project()) # OUTPUT: Lighting [650 nm] In this case, the Helicopter implementation depends on the Light implementation. The helicopter must consider the projector configuration principle, passing certain parameters to its object. Moreover, the script similarly configures the Helicopter using a boolean variable. If the projector or helicopter implementation changes, the configuration parameters may stop working, which will require modification of upper-level object classes. Example of DIP Application The projector implementation should be completely isolated from the helicopter implementation. Vertical interaction between both entities should be performed through a special interface. Example code in Python that considers DIP: from abc import ABC, abstractmethod # base projector class class Light(ABC): @abstractmethod def use(self): pass # white projector class NormalLight(Light): def use(self): return "Lighting with bright white light" # red projector class SpecialLight(Light): def use(self): return "Lighting with dim red light" # helicopter class Helicopter: def __init__(self, light): self.light = light def project(self): return self.light.use() # creating vehicles helicopterWhite = Helicopter(NormalLight()) helicopterRed = Helicopter(SpecialLight()) # operating vehicles print(helicopterWhite.project()) # OUTPUT: Lighting with bright white light print(helicopterRed.project()) # OUTPUT: Lighting with dim red light In such architecture, the implementation of a specific projector, whether NormalLight or SpecialLight, doesn't affect the Helicopter device. On the contrary, the Helicopter class sets requirements for the presence of certain methods in the Light class and its inheritors. DIP Advantages Following DIP reduces program coupling: upper-level code doesn't depend on implementation details, which simplifies component modification or replacement. Thanks to active use of interfaces, new implementations (inherited from base classes) can be added to the program, which can be used with existing components. In this, DIP overlaps with LSP. In addition to this, during testing, instead of real lower-level dependencies, empty stubs can be substituted that simulate the functions of real components. For example, instead of making a request to a remote server, you can simulate delay using a function like time.sleep(). And in general, DIP significantly increases program modularity, vertically encapsulating component logic. Practical Application of SOLID SOLID principles help write flexible, maintainable, and scalable code. They are especially relevant when developing backends for high-load applications, working with microservice architecture, and using object-oriented programming. Essentially, SOLID is aimed at localization (increasing cohesion) and encapsulation (decreasing coupling) of application component logic both horizontally and vertically. Whatever syntactic constructions a language possesses (perhaps it weakly supports OOP), it allows following SOLID principles to one degree or another. How SOLID Helps in Real Projects As a rule, each iteration of a software product either adds new behavior or changes existing behavior, thereby increasing system complexity. However, complexity growth often leads to disorder. Therefore, SOLID principles set certain architectural frameworks within which a project remains understandable and structured. SOLID doesn't allow chaos to grow. In real projects, SOLID performs several important functions: Facilitates making changes Divides complex systems into simple subsystems Reduces component dependency on each other Facilitates testing Reduces errors and makes code predictable Essentially, SOLID is a generalized set of rules based on which software abstractions and interactions between different application components are formed. SOLID and Architectural Patterns SOLID principles and architectural patterns are two different but interconnected levels of software design. SOLID principles exist at a lower implementation level, while architectural patterns exist at a higher level. That is, SOLID can be applied within any architectural pattern, whether MVC, MVVM, Layered Architecture, Hexagonal Architecture. For example, in a web application built on MVC, one controller can be responsible for processing HTTP requests, and another for executing business logic. Thus, the implementation will follow SRP. Moreover, within MVC, all dependencies can be passed through interfaces rather than created inside classes. This, in turn, will be following DIP. SOLID and Code Testability The main advantage of SOLID is increasing code modularity. Modularity is an extremely useful property for unit testing. After all, classes performing only one task are easier to test than classes consisting of logical "hodgepodge." To some extent, testing itself begins to follow SRP, performing multiple small and specialized tests instead of one scattered test. Moreover, thanks to OCP, adding new functionality doesn't break existing tests, but leaves them still relevant, despite the fact that the overall program behavior may have changed. Actually, tests can be considered a kind of program snapshot. Exclusively in the sense that they frame application logic and test its implementation. Therefore, there's nothing surprising in the fact that tests follow the same principles and architectural patterns as the application itself. Criticism and Limitations of SOLID Excessive adherence to SOLID can lead to fragmented code with many small classes and interfaces. In small projects, strict separations may be excessive. When SOLID May Be Excessive SOLID principles are relevant in any project. Following them is good practice. However, complex SOLID abstractions and interfaces may be excessive for simple projects. On the contrary, in complex projects, SOLID can simplify code understanding and help scale implementation. In other words, if a project is small, fragmenting code into many classes and interfaces is unnecessary. For example, dividing logic into many classes in a simple Telegram bot will only complicate maintenance. The same applies to code for one-time use (for example, one-time task automation). Strict adherence to SOLID in this case will be a waste of time. It must be understood that SOLID is not a dogma, but a tool. It should be applied where it's necessary to improve code quality, not complicate it unnecessarily. Sometimes it's easier to write simple and monolithic code than fragmented and overcomplicated code. Alternative Design Approaches Besides SOLID, there are other principles, approaches, and software design patterns that can be used both separately and as a supplement to SOLID: GRASP (General Responsibility Assignment Software Patterns): A set of responsibility distribution patterns describing class interactions with each other. YAGNI (You Ain't Gonna Need It): The principle of refusing excessive functionality that is not immediately needed. KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid): A programming principle declaring simplicity as the main value of software. DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself): A software development principle minimizing code duplication. CQS (Command-Query Separation): A design pattern dividing operations into two categories: commands that change system state and queries that get data from the system. DDD (Domain-Driven Design): A software development approach structuring code around the enterprise domain. Nevertheless, no matter how many approaches there are, the main thing is to apply them thoughtfully, not blindly follow them. SOLID is a useful tool, but it needs to be applied consciously.
29 September 2025 · 25 min to read

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