A micro frontend is composed of several small and autonomous modular components. The modules are self-contained and can be used by other pages. You can use any programming language to code the components that make up a micro frontend. Usually, Javascript and Javascript frameworks are the most popular, but mocro frontends may be developed in any language and then compiled and packaged into a Javascript bundle that can be imported and composed by the other frontend.
In micro frontend architecture, web solutions are built by breaking down the monolithic application into smaller pieces and coding, testing, and deploying each fragment separately. So cross-functional teams may develop each component (from a database to a user interface) independently, making components independent. Users see the whole solution rather than individual fragments, ensuring a seamless experience.
Here are a few well-known companies that use micro frontends:
The goal of a micro frontend is to provide the same benefits as microservices by eliminating the disadvantages associated with big frontend monoliths.
What are the advantages of the monolithic approach, and why is it not the best option for modern large-scale web development? Let's investigate.
Microservice architecture is a design pattern in backend development. In contrast with a monolithic architecture, microservices include several independently deployable components. They are separated by business domains and are connected by APIs, which are easy to deploy.
Microservices are the building blocks of most modern web solutions. Businesses often choose this type of architecture when making new web apps or updating their old software by switching from a monolithic back end to microservices. Here are the most important ones:
Basically, most large-scale web development projects should use microservices.
The term frontend monolith refers to the client side of a web application built from a single codebase. A lot of solutions still use this type of interface architecture, even ones with microservice architecture. So, the back end of a system is often modular while the frontend stays solid.
At first, this can work well, but problems often arise as a web solution grows. Here are a few examples:
In conclusion, a frontend monolith restricts the independent nature of a microservice architecture. More and more developers are using micro frontends to avoid this. So, let's go into more detail about how a web solution works when a micro frontend architecture is built on top of microservices.
With a micro frontend, companies can:
This way, building complex user interfaces quickly and easily can use the micro frontend approach. It is also an excellent option for teams that want to adopt a modern software engineering approach. Additionally, micro frontends are highly flexible, scalable, and quickly deployed. Besides the technical advantages, micro frontends are also great for the business because they offer excellent business value and technical benefits.
Despite the advantages of micro frontend architecture, it isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Every web application isn't suitable for this architectural style. When choosing a micro frontend for your web application, how do you know if it will be a success? There are two types of frontends: monolithic and micro.
Let's discuss the main criteria guiding your decision. Here are a few examples of when micro frontends make sense:
If you're unsure whether micro frontends suit your project, consult with a reliable tech partner like Imaginary Cloud. In the end, it depends on the specifics of your business plan.
A micro frontend comprises several independent and modular components that are loaded and displayed as needed. This means that only the components required for a specific page are loaded. These components interact directly with the data and do not require a centralized server to route requests or process data. In addition to the components that display content, a micro frontend can also have several utility components that interact with the application's environment.
These components can interact with the user or with other components. The management of the state of the application can also use them. These utility components usually have minimal functionality and do not display any content to the user. They can also be loaded only when needed.
You can integrate micro frontends in two ways:
Build-Time integration
This is how most code is written today. The container will install the components as libraries, similar to how you would install libraries from npm. You can also use Module Federation with NextJS as it stands today on WebPack 5.
The drawbacks of this technique are syncing multiple versions of libraries and build issues. It is also difficult to use multiple technologies. The final package will also be large because it will contain all dependencies. Furthermore, any changes in dependencies must be deployed again, and the container and all micro frontends are tightly coupled.
Run-Time integration
Compositions for Run-Time Integration are classified into three types:
The micro frontend architecture is particularly favourable for large-scale web development projects based on microservices. It enables different components to be developed by separate, autonomous teams of programmers. As a result, it delivers several benefits, including a faster rollout of new features, simpler testing of individual components, and smoother updates.
Despite the advantages of micro frontends, there are also some disadvantages. An application may be difficult to test in its entirety, for example. Micro frontend projects are also rather costly since they require a large team of developers and managers. Take into consideration all the implications of any project before moving forward.
Imaginary Cloud has expertise in micro frontends and monolithic frontends, so you don't have to worry. Get in touch, and we'll discuss your request in detail.
Content writer with a big curiosity about the impact of technology on society. Always surrounded by books and music.
Your everyday web developer who likes to hide in the backend. Javascript and Ruby are my jam. I still fumble with Docker and my builds break quite often.
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