Why it matters

Effect system choice shapes app design. Understanding differences guides selection.

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The architecture

Cats Effect: minimalist, orthogonal.

ZIO: batteries-included, ergonomic.

Effect system comparisonCats Effectorthogonal, minimalistZIObatteries-includedInteroppossibleBoth mature; ZIO ergonomics often preferred by newcomers
Effect system comparison.
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How it works end to end

ZIO features: typed env (R), typed errors (E), ZIO Streams, ZIO Test, ZIO Config.

Cats Effect: unified with Cats type classes; foundation for http4s + fs2.

Migration: interop libraries exist.