Micro Frontend Architecture Fundamentals

1. Introduction

Micro Frontends is an architectural style that allows multiple teams to work on different parts of a web application, enabling independent deployments and better scalability. This lesson covers the fundamentals of Micro Frontend architecture, with a focus on Independent UI Decomposition.

2. Key Concepts

Key Definitions

Micro Frontend: A method to decompose a frontend application into smaller, manageable pieces that can be developed and deployed independently.
Independent UI Decomposition: The practice of breaking down user interfaces into smaller components that can function autonomously.
Single SPA: A popular framework for implementing Micro Frontends.
Module Federation: A Webpack 5 feature that allows dynamic loading of code from another application at runtime.

3. Independent UI Decomposition

Independent UI Decomposition is crucial for achieving the benefits of Micro Frontends. Here’s a step-by-step process for how to achieve it:

Step-by-Step Process


        graph TD;
            A[Identify UI Components] --> B[Define Boundaries];
            B --> C[Create Micro Frontends];
            C --> D[Deploy Independently];
            D --> E[Integrate with Main Application];

In this flowchart:

Identify UI Components: Break down the application into UI components based on functionality.
Define Boundaries: Establish clear ownership and boundaries for each Micro Frontend.
Create Micro Frontends: Develop each UI component as a separate Micro Frontend.
Deploy Independently: Each Micro Frontend can be deployed without affecting others.
Integrate with Main Application: Use a shell application to integrate all Micro Frontends seamlessly.

Note: Each Micro Frontend should be developed using the same technology stack or a compatible one to ensure integration is seamless.

4. Best Practices

Keep Micro Frontends small and manageable.
Use consistent design systems across Micro Frontends.
Implement shared libraries for common functionalities.
Monitor and log each Micro Frontend independently for better performance tracking.
Ensure that team responsibilities are clearly defined for each Micro Frontend.

5. FAQ

What are the benefits of using Micro Frontends?

Micro Frontends allow for better scalability, improved team autonomy, and independent deployments which enhance the overall agility of development practices.

What frameworks can be used for Micro Frontends?

Common frameworks include Single SPA, Module Federation, and various custom solutions tailored to specific needs.

How do I ensure performance with Micro Frontends?

Performance can be ensured by lazy loading Micro Frontends, using shared libraries wisely, and monitoring each Micro Frontend's performance metrics.