Micro Frontend: Definition, Architecture & Implementation

Micro Frontend is an approach in the development process that divides the product into smaller and simpler micro applications. 

With this approach, the development team can break down the application into modules that can be managed independently but still need to interact with each other to display the required user features.

Each module can be developed using technology according to its needs, providing flexibility in choosing tools or frameworks.

Learn what is Micro Frontend, its types, architecture, and examples in the following article!

What is Micro Frontend? 

Micro Frontend is a common concept in software development processes applied by dividing the UI interface into small, independent parts or modules.

First introduced in late 2016, the basic idea of this concept is fundamentally similar to the microservices approach in backend development, where applications are divided into small services that can be managed independently.

By breaking down the interface into small modules, this approach is highly beneficial for development teams to manage each module separately. 

The existence of this method allows each development team to fulfill responsibilities in a specific business area or mission that aligns with their specialization, thereby enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Terms Related to Micro Frontend

Before delving deeper into what Micro Frontend is, let's get to know some terms commonly used in this approach. Here are their explanations: 

1. Micro Frontend Shell

This is the main part of the framework responsible for integrating all modules into a complete application view. 

The shell ensures coordination and unification among different modules to support a consistent and satisfying user experience.

2. Module atau Micro App

The smallest part, usually a UI component, feature, or small standalone application. Each module can be developed, tested, and managed independently by different development teams.

3. Routing

Routing is the mechanism that determines how the application responds to URLs requested by users. Routing can be managed at the module level, depending on the chosen architecture.

3. Communication

Communication refers to the system of communication between modules through various methods such as event bus, shared state, or HTTP calls. This allows one module to communicate with another without disrupting the isolation between modules.

4. Integration

The process of combining or unifying all the micro modules into a single running application. Integration can occur on the client side or server side, depending on the project's requirements.

5. Database

As a key component in software architecture, the database is responsible for storing, managing, and retrieving data used by the application. 

In software development, various types of databases can be used, ranging from relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite to NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Cassandra.

6. Host

The host is responsible for bringing together and displaying independent frontend modules. With the help of a host, all micro-components can be integrated into a cohesive whole.

3 Types of Architecture in Micro Frontend

When implementing this approach, there are several types of architectures that you can choose based on the needs and complexity of a project.

1. Front & Back

This architecture separates the frontend, backend, and database, although all three are still integrated as a whole. 

Frontend and backend can be developed independently, allowing development teams to focus on their respective specializations. 

Despite the continued integration, this separation aims to enable each team to choose technologies and development techniques according to their preferences and needs.

2. Monolith

The monolith architecture integrates the frontend, backend, and database. However, even with unity in the development process, development teams can still divide the application into small modules that can be managed independently.

3. MicroService

This architecture is similar to Front & Back, but in MicroServices, the backend modules are further divided into several services, as illustrated below.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Micro Frontend 

The strengths and weaknesses of this approach can vary depending on the project's needs and development context. Here are some examples: 

The Advantages

• Enables clear division of tasks and responsibilities among development teams.
• Facilitates maintenance and bug fixes because changes to one component do not necessarily affect the entire application.
• Allows the use of different technologies for each component, according to the needs and expertise of the development team.

The Disadvantages

• The state management becomes more complex due to communication between different components.
• Complicates the handling of navigation between pages if each component has its own navigation logic.
• Requires more intensive coordination between development teams to ensure the smooth operation of the entire application.

Micro Frontend Framework Implementation

To help you further understand the Micro Frontend framework, here are some common examples of its application: 

1. E-Commerce Platform 

One of the most common examples of implementing the Micro Frontend framework is in e-commerce platforms. 

In this case, development teams can break down the application by providing several micro-features such as shopping carts, product search, or the payment process. 

Each of these features is implemented as an independent module, and the host can integrate these modules to create a more integrated online shopping experience.

2. Banking Website

Banking websites are also a definite example you may frequently encounter. Various features such as account information, fund transfers, or card/profile management can be considered independent modules to maintain security and coherence among features.

3. CMS (Content Management System)

Some content management systems (CMS) also utilize this framework to simplify content management and editing. 

Modules like text editors, image management, page management, and others can be integrated into the CMS platform as separate components, allowing users to update and customize content more quickly.

That was all the explanation of Micro Frontend its terminology, types of architecture, and examples of its application in software development processes.

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