Why microfrontends are still so exciting
Although the topic of microfrontends has been discussed since 2016, it is still extremely relevant. Modular and scalable code is becoming increasingly important. Microfrontends are therefore still fascinating. A large software product consists not only of a backend, but also of a frontend. While the backend can be modular, the frontend has often been a monolithic entity. Microfrontends solve this problem by splitting the frontend into smaller, independent parts.
The idea is simple: instead of having a large, complex front end, we divide the front end into smaller, independent parts. These parts can be developed and deployed as separate modules. Each product can deliver its own frontend that other frontends can easily integrate. In this way, microfrontends allow different frontend parts to be developed and combined independently to create a large, yet flexible and modular frontend.
Angular and microfrontends: Robust structures for agile development and maintainability
Let's take Angular as an example. Angular provides us with robust structures and tools to create and integrate microfrontends. We use Angular modules to develop different parts of our frontend in isolation and independently of each other. The use of Angular Elements enables the creation of web components that can be reused in different projects and frameworks.
Microfrontends enable teams to work independently of each other. This speeds up development and improves maintainability. New functions can be implemented and updated more quickly without having to affect the entire frontend. This leads to more agile development and makes it possible to react quickly to changing requirements.
Overall, microfrontends offer a flexible and scalable architecture for complex frontends. By applying the principles of modularity and independence, we can develop robust and maintainable frontends that are easily expandable.
The development of microfrontends: a look at the status quo and the origins
Cam Jackson's contribution from 2019, "Microfrontends" , initiated this discussion and laid the foundations for further development. Since then, many companies and developers have explored the concept of microfrontends and developed innovative solutions to exploit the advantages of this architecture.
In our article "The status quo of microfrontend frameworks" from 2022, we already reported on the importance and current status of microfrontend frameworks. This article discussed the different approaches and frameworks for implementing microfrontends, including the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
Conclusion
It is fascinating to see how the ideas and concepts have evolved over time and how they are applied in practice today. Microfrontends have become an important tool for the development of scalable and modular frontends, and their use is expected to increase in the future.
[1]: https://staging.blog.doubleslash.de/der-status-quo-zu-microfrontend-frameworks - It's #FrontendFriday - The status quo on microfrontend frameworks
[2]: https://martinfowler.com/articles/micro-frontends.html - Microfrontends
