This document provides an introduction to microservices, including a comparison to monolithic architectures. It discusses advantages and disadvantages of both monoliths and microservices. Monoliths have disadvantages including being difficult to change and maintain as well as not scaling well. Microservices aim to address these issues by developing applications as suites of small, independent services. The document outlines some key principles of microservices, such as independent deployment and technology choices, as well as advantages like improved scalability and flexibility.