I. Introduction:
As web applications continue to grow in size and complexity, front-end technologies are also evolving and evolving. Micro-frontend is a front-end architecture pattern that has emerged in recent years. By splitting large-scale web applications into small, independently developed and deployed modules, it reduces the difficulty of development and maintenance, while improving the scalability and performance of web applications. maintainability. The development of micro-frontends has also received widespread attention and support from the industry, and has become one of the important front-end technology trends.
This article will introduce the concept and background of micro frontends, and discuss the advantages and challenges of micro frontends. Then, we will introduce the architectural pattern, technical implementation and practical application cases of the micro frontend in detail. Finally, we will look at the future development and prospects of micro frontends.
Let's start exploring the mysteries of micro frontend technology.
Introduce the concept and background of micro frontends
A micro-frontend is a front-end architectural pattern that splits a web application into a set of small, independently developed and deployed modules, each of which can be developed and maintained by a different team. This modular architecture can help development teams reduce the size and complexity of web applications, thereby improving the maintainability and scalability of applications.
The concept of micro-frontends was first proposed by Cam Jackson, the technical director of ThoughtWorks, in 2016. He believes that micro-frontends can help teams split large web applications into small modules, so as to better meet different business needs and improve the maintainability and scalability of applications. Since then, micro-frontends have gradually become a front-end technology trend and have received more and more attention and support.
The background of micro frontends stems from the development and evolution of large web applications. As the scale and complexity of web applications continue to increase, front-end development teams are faced with more and more challenges, such as difficult development and maintenance, high code coupling, performance issues, and more. Micro frontends ease these challenges by splitting web applications into small, independently developable and deployable modules, improving the maintainability and scalability of web applications.
Advantages and Challenges of Micro Frontends
The advantages of micro frontends include:
Modular development: The micro-front end splits the web application into small, independently developed and deployed modules, which helps the development team to better achieve modular development and improves the maintainability and scalability of the application.
Team autonomy: Micro frontends allow different teams to develop and maintain different modules, thereby achieving team autonomy and improving development efficiency and quality.
Technology stack-independent: The micro-frontend allows the use of different technology stacks to develop different modules, thereby achieving technology-stack-independence and reducing the difficulty and cost of technology selection.
Reusability: Micro-frontends split web applications into small modules, thereby improving the reusability of modules and reducing the workload of repeated development.
Micro frontend challenges include:
Technical complexity: The micro-frontend needs to use some new technologies and tools to realize functions such as modular development, communication and integration between modules, and requires the development team to have certain technical strength and experience.
Project size limitations: Micro frontends are fine for large web applications, but can introduce excessive complexity and unnecessary overhead for small applications.
Performance issues: Micro frontends need to dynamically load modules at runtime, which may affect the performance and response speed of the application, and need to be resolved through some optimization measures.
Cross-domain issues: Micro-frontends need to deploy different modules under different domain names, which may cause cross-domain problems, which need to be solved through some cross-domain solutions.
2. Architecture mode of micro-frontend
There are two architectural patterns of micro-frontends: browser-based integration and server-side integration.
Browser-based integration
The micro-frontend architecture pattern based on browser-side integration usually adopts the following technical solutions:
Use Web Components to realize modularization: Web Components is a set of browser standards, including Custom Elements, Shadow DOM, and HTML Templates, etc., which can realize the modular development and packaging of Web applications.
Use JavaScript frameworks to achieve integration: Use JavaScript frameworks (such as React, Vue, etc.) to realize the integration of web applications. Through componentization and routing technologies, web applications can be split into small modules, and communication and communication between modules can be realized. integrated.
Using HTTP requests to implement module loading: Dynamically loading modules through HTTP requests can realize on-demand loading and updating of modules, thereby improving the performance and response speed of web applications.
Based on server-side integration
The micro-frontend architecture pattern based on server-side integration usually adopts the following technical solutions:
Routing and load balancing using a reverse proxy: Using a reverse proxy (such as Nginx, Apache, etc.) to implement routing and load balancing of web applications can distribute requests to different back-end services and front-end modules, thereby realizing micro-frontends Integration and deployment.
Use the service grid to realize inter-module communication: use the service grid (such as Istio, Linkerd, etc.) Improve the reliability and scalability of micro-frontend applications.
The micro-frontend architecture pattern based on server-side integration is more suitable for large-scale web applications than the browser-side integration-based pattern, and can provide better reliability and scalability. But it will also bring some overhead and complexity, which requires the development team to have certain technical strength and experience.
3. Technical realization of micro front end
Front-end framework and technology selection
When implementing the micro front-end architecture, the selection of front-end framework and technology is very important. Different frameworks and technologies have different advantages and disadvantages, and need to be selected in combination with specific application scenarios.
Here are some common front-end frameworks and technologies:
React
React is a very popular JavaScript library widely used in front-end development. It supports componentized development, making it easy to build reusable UI components. React's virtual DOM technology can improve performance and responsiveness.
In the micro-frontend architecture, React can be used as the basic framework of the micro-frontend module. It can be easily integrated with other frameworks and technologies to achieve componentization and routing functions.
Vue
Vue is another popular JavaScript framework that also supports component-based development and virtual DOM technology. Its template syntax is simple and easy to use, and the development efficiency is high.
In the micro-frontend architecture, Vue can be used as the basic framework of the micro-frontend module to realize componentization and routing functions. It can also be integrated with other frameworks and technologies to enable the integration and deployment of micro frontends.
Angular
Angular is a TypeScript-based JavaScript framework that supports component-based development and reactive programming. Its template syntax is complex, but it provides rich functionality and extensibility.
In the micro-frontend architecture, Angular can be used as the basic framework of the micro-frontend module to realize componentization and routing functions. It can also be integrated with other frameworks and technologies to enable the integration and deployment of micro frontends.
Web Components
Web Components is a standardized Web component technology that supports cross-framework and cross-browser component development. It consists of three main technologies: Custom Elements, Shadow DOM, and HTML Templates.
In the micro-frontend architecture, Web Components can be used as the basic technology of the micro-frontend module to realize cross-framework and cross-browser component development. It can be integrated with other frameworks and technologies to enable the integration and deployment of micro frontends.
To sum up, the selection of front-end framework and technology is the key to implementing the micro-front-end architecture. When choosing front-end frameworks and technologies, it is necessary to choose in combination with specific application scenarios, while considering the functions, performance, maintainability, and scalability of the frameworks and technologies.
Communication Mechanism of Micro Frontends
In the micro-frontend architecture, each micro-frontend application needs to communicate and collaborate to realize overall functions and business processes. Therefore, the communication mechanism of the micro frontend is very important.
Here are some common micro-frontend communication mechanisms:
event-based communication
Event-based communication is a very simple micro-frontend communication mechanism that uses events to trigger and respond to behavior in the application. In this mechanism, each micro-frontend module can publish and subscribe to events to realize mutual communication and collaboration.
HTTP-based communication
HTTP-based communication is a common micro-frontend communication mechanism that uses the HTTP protocol to send and receive data. In this mechanism, each micro front-end module can obtain and submit data through the HTTP interface, so as to realize data sharing and interaction.
state-based communication
State-managed communication is a common micro-frontend communication mechanism that uses a central state manager to store and manage the state of the application. In this mechanism, each micro front-end module can share and access the state of the application program through the central state manager to realize data sharing and interaction.
Message queue based communication
Message queue-based communication is an efficient micro-frontend communication mechanism that uses message queues to store and transfer data. In this mechanism, each micro front-end module can send and receive messages through the message queue to realize data sharing and interaction.
To sum up, the communication mechanism of the micro-frontend is the key to implementing the micro-frontend architecture. When choosing a micro-frontend communication mechanism, it is necessary to choose in combination with specific application scenarios, and at the same time consider the efficiency, reliability, and scalability of the communication mechanism.
Packaging and Deployment Strategies for Micro Frontends
Micro-frontend applications in the micro-frontend architecture are usually independently developed, built, and deployed by different development teams. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate a unified packaging and deployment strategy to ensure the collaboration and compatibility between micro-frontend applications.
The packaging strategy usually adopts the method of sub-module packaging, that is, different micro front-end applications and modules are packaged into independent files. In this way, different functions and modules can be isolated to avoid naming conflicts and version compatibility issues between different micro-frontend applications. At the same time, sub-module packaging can also improve the loading speed and performance of the application and avoid unnecessary waste of resources.
The deployment strategy usually adopts containerized deployment, that is, different micro-frontend applications and modules are packaged into independent containers, and deployed and managed through container orchestration tools. In this way, different micro front-end applications and modules can be isolated to avoid influence and interference between different micro front-end applications. At the same time, containerized deployment can also improve the scalability and reliability of applications, and facilitate scenarios such as high concurrency and failure recovery.
When formulating packaging and deployment strategies, it is necessary to consider the dependencies and compatibility issues between different micro frontend applications. In order to ensure the collaboration and compatibility between micro-frontend applications, it is necessary to perform version control and dependency management on micro-frontend applications, and to ensure the compatibility and stability between micro-frontend applications through certain tests and verifications.
In short, the packaging and deployment strategy in the micro-frontend architecture needs to consider many factors, including sub-module packaging, containerized deployment, version control, and dependency management. Through a unified packaging and deployment strategy, the collaboration and compatibility between micro-frontend applications can be ensured, and the maintainability and reliability of the application can be improved.
4. Cases of micro-frontends in practical applications
Application of micro-frontends in e-commerce platforms
In e-commerce platforms, the micro-frontend architecture can be applied to multiple scenarios and modules. The following is a specific case that shows the application of the micro front-end architecture in the e-commerce platform.
Suppose we are developing an e-commerce platform, which contains multiple modules, such as product list, product details, shopping cart, order management, etc. In order to improve development efficiency and deployment speed, we decided to use the micro front-end architecture to build the entire e-commerce platform.
First, we split the product list, product details, shopping cart, order management and other modules into different independent applications, and select the appropriate front-end framework and technology for each application. For example, the product list and product details use the React framework, and the shopping cart and order management use the Vue framework. Then, we use micro-frontend frameworks such as single-spa or qiankun to integrate and collaborate these independent applications.
Specifically, we can add a navigation bar to the main interface of the e-commerce platform to display different modules and functions. When the user clicks on a module, the micro-frontend framework will load the corresponding independent application and integrate it into the main interface. For example, when a user clicks the "Store Details" button, the micro frontend framework loads the Store Listing app and embeds it in the main interface. Users can view detailed information, pictures, reviews, etc. of the product on the product detail page, and can add it to the shopping cart or purchase it directly.
In addition, we can also use the micro-frontend architecture to achieve functional expansion and upgrades. For example, when we need to add new functions or modules, we only need to develop a new independent application and integrate it into the micro frontend framework. In this way, large-scale changes and deployments to the entire e-commerce platform can be avoided, reducing the risk of errors.
The application of the micro front-end architecture in the e-commerce platform is very flexible and reliable, which can greatly improve the development efficiency and deployment speed, and can easily expand and upgrade functions.
Application of Micro Frontends in Enterprise Applications
The micro-frontend architecture can be applied not only to e-commerce platforms, but also to enterprise-level applications. The following is a specific case that shows the application of the micro-frontend architecture in enterprise-level applications.
Suppose we are developing an enterprise-level application, which contains multiple modules, such as user management, role management, rights management, log management, etc. In order to improve development efficiency and deployment speed, we decided to use the micro-frontend architecture to build the entire application.
First, we split the user management, role management, authority management, log management and other modules into different independent applications, and select the appropriate front-end framework and technology for each application. For example, Angular framework is used for user management and role management, and React framework is used for permission management and log management. Then, we use micro-frontend frameworks such as single-spa or qiankun to integrate and collaborate these independent applications.
Specifically, we can add a navigation bar to the main interface of an enterprise application to display different modules and functions. When the user clicks on a module, the micro-frontend framework will load the corresponding independent application and integrate it into the main interface. For example, when a user clicks the "User Management" button, the micro frontend framework will load the user management application and embed it into the main interface. Users can add, edit, and delete users on the user management page, and can view user details, roles, etc.
In addition, we can also use the micro-frontend architecture to achieve functional expansion and upgrades. For example, when we need to add new functions or modules, we only need to develop a new independent application and integrate it into the micro frontend framework. In this way, large-scale changes and deployments to the entire enterprise-level application can be avoided, reducing the risk of errors.
Application of Micro Frontends in Internet Companies
The micro-frontend architecture is also widely used in Internet companies. The following is a practical case that shows the application of the micro-frontend architecture in Internet companies.
Suppose we are developing an online video website, which contains multiple modules, such as homepage, course list, course details, shopping cart, etc. In order to improve development efficiency and deployment speed, we decided to adopt a micro-frontend architecture to build the entire website.
First, we split the home page, course list, course details, shopping cart and other modules into different independent applications, and select the appropriate front-end framework and technology for each application. For example, the homepage and shopping cart use the Vue framework, and the course list and course details use the React framework. Then, we use micro frontend frameworks such as single-spa or qiankun to integrate and collaborate these independent applications.
Specifically, we can add a navigation bar to the main interface of the online video website to display different modules and functions. When the user clicks on a module, the micro-frontend framework will load the corresponding independent application and integrate it into the main interface. For example, when the user clicks the "Course List" button, the micro frontend framework will load the Course List application and embed it into the main interface. Users can view all courses on the course list page, and can search and sort according to different filter conditions.
In addition, we can also use the micro-frontend architecture to achieve multi-language support and theme switching. For example, we can set different language packs and theme files for each independent application. When the user selects a different language or theme, the micro-frontend framework will dynamically load the corresponding file according to the user's choice and apply it to the corresponding independent application. in application.
5. Future development of micro-frontends
Trends and development directions of micro frontends
In the future, the micro-frontend architecture has broad development prospects and application prospects.
The following are the trends and development directions of the micro frontend architecture:
Better development experience: In the future, the micro-frontend architecture will pay more attention to development experience and development efficiency. For example, development efficiency can be improved through automated construction tools and code generators, and development experience and development efficiency can also be improved through more friendly and intelligent development tools.
Richer functions and features: In the future, the micro-frontend architecture will pay more attention to the richness of functions and features. For example, page performance and user experience can be improved through more intelligent and adaptive routing management, and at the same time, application maintainability and scalability can also be improved through more flexible and scalable state management.
Smarter performance optimization: In the future, the micro-frontend architecture will pay more attention to performance optimization and user experience. For example, pre-rendering technology can be used to improve the rendering speed of the first screen, and at the same time, page performance and user experience can also be improved by using caching technology and lazy loading technology.
Wider application scenarios: In the future, the micro-frontend architecture will be more widely used in various application scenarios. For example, in different fields such as e-commerce platforms, enterprise-level applications, and Internet companies, micro-frontend architectures can be used to improve application development efficiency and deployment speed.
Innovation and Exploration of Micro Frontends
The micro-frontend architecture is a relatively new concept in the front-end field, and there is still some room for innovation and exploration in practical applications. The following are some innovations and explorations of the micro-frontend architecture:
Web Components: Web Components is a componentization technology natively supported in browsers. By using Web Components technology, a component can be packaged as a custom element, so as to achieve cross-framework and cross-platform component reuse and sharing. In the future, Web Components is expected to become an important technical foundation of the micro front-end architecture.
Development of micro-frontend frameworks: At present, some micro-frontend frameworks have appeared, such as Single-SPA, qiankun, etc. These frameworks are mainly extended and encapsulated based on existing front-end frameworks and technology stacks, providing a more complete and unified micro-frontend solution. In the future, the micro-frontend framework will have more abundant and powerful functions and features.
Application of Serverless architecture: Serverless architecture is an event-driven and serverless application development model. By using the Serverless architecture, applications can be deployed to the cloud, thereby achieving more flexible and elastic application deployment and management. In the future, the micro-frontend architecture is expected to be deeply integrated with the serverless architecture to achieve more intelligent and adaptive application development and deployment.
In short, the micro front-end architecture will become more mature and powerful, bringing more efficient and flexible development methods for front-end development.
6. Summary
The micro-frontend architecture is an emerging technology in the front-end field, which has many advantages, such as improving the flexibility, maintainability and scalability of front-end applications. But there are also some challenges and problems, such as cross-team collaboration, technology selection and performance issues. In order to overcome these problems, it is necessary to have a deep understanding of the architectural model and technical implementation of micro-frontends, and make reasonable technical selection and architectural design according to actual application scenarios.
In the future, with the continuous development and popularization of emerging technologies such as cloud computing, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, the micro front-end architecture is expected to be widely used and promoted in more application scenarios. Through continuous exploration and innovation, the micro front-end architecture will bring a more efficient and flexible development method to front-end development, and will also provide better support and guarantee for the rapid development and changes of the business.
Original link: Front-end Lao Zhao once explained to you the "micro-front-end" architecture_Technology Sharing_Front-end Lao Zhao