Difference Between N-tier Architecture and MVC Desgin Pattern

May Several new Learners  Confuses the difference is between MVC (Model View Controller) and N-Tier architectural patterns. It is my intent to clarify the confusion by comparing the two patterns side-by-side. At least in part, I believe the source of some of the confusion is that they both have three distinct layers or nodes in their respective diagrams.

N- Tier Architecture

                                                     

                                                           

- N-tier application architecture provides a model by which developers can create flexible and reusable applications. By segregating an application into tiers, developers acquire the option of modifying or adding a specific layer, instead of reworking the entire application..

Presentation tier

This is the topmost level of the application. The presentation tier displays information related to such services as browsing merchandise, purchasing, and shopping cart contents. It communicates with other tiers by outputting results to the browser/client tier and all other tiers in the network.

Application tier (business logic, logic tier, data access tier, or middle tier)

The logic tier is pulled out from the presentation tier and, as its own layer, it controls an application’s functionality by performing detailed processing.

Data tier

This tier consists of database servers. Here information is stored and retrieved. This tier keeps data neutral and independent from application servers or business logic. Giving data its own tier also improves scalability and performance.

Model–view–controller

                             
                                                             

Model–view–controller (MVC) is a software architectural pattern for implementing user interfaces. It divides a given software application into three interconnected parts, so as to separate internal representations of information from the ways that information is presented to or accepted from the user.

The Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern separates the modeling of the domain, the presentation, and the actions based on user input into three separate classes 

Model. The model manages the behavior and data of the application domain, responds to requests for information about its state (usually from the view), and responds to instructions to change state (usually from the controller).

View. The view manages the display of information.

Controller. The controller interprets the mouse and keyboard inputs from the user, informing the model and/or the view to change as appropriate.                                                                                                       

When Do I Choose Which Pattern?

First of all, these two patterns are definitely not mutually exclusive. In fact in my experience they are quite harmonious. Often I use a multi-tiered architecture, such as a three-tiered architecture, for the overall architectural structure.