
In today’s fast-paced web development landscape, developers search for a scalable technology to create efficient software products. Angular, being a robust front-end framework developed by Google, is widely adopted by the software developers across the globe. The various versions of it allow the developers to build complex web applications.
In this blog, we will examine the synergy between Angular and Micro frontends, exhibiting how this integration can revolutionize the web development approach by promoting scalability, maintainability, and better communication between development teams.
Before reading further, check out this short video that explains in a simple term the Micro frontend architecture. The concepts are easier to understand and will help project stakeholders to conclude whether they have to utilize the service.
The video shares the details that developers can work on portions of the front end efficiently. Each portion can be developed and deployed without being dependent on another. This allows the development team to complete the project with the required features and functionalities.
The Micro frontend architecture ensures product scalability and empowers custom software development teams to work cohesively and strategically. Thus, the project stakeholders should be aware of the usage of the micro front end with angular. However, exploring the fine details from the various sections of the blog will be effective in understanding the concept.
Hire Angular Developers to simplify your architecture with Micro Frontend.
What is Micro Frontend Architecture?
Micro frontends is an architectural style that splits a front-end application into smaller, and more manageable pieces. Different teams handle and combine each piece to work as a unified system. The approach of Micro frontend is likely similar to microservices, which we have transformed by splitting large, monolithic systems into small-scale, solitary deployable services.
What is the Difference Between Microservices and Micro Frontend?
In this section, we will be sharing the critical differences between microservices and micro frontends. This comparison will be helpful for the project stakeholders to select one among the two architectures.
Particulars | Microservices | Micro frontend |
Definition | It is a collection of loosely coupled services for an application. | Micro frontend is an approach to building frontend in the form of smaller independent deployable modules. |
Technology Used | Discrete programming languages can be used for microservices. | Utilized for frontend thus, front frameworks and technologies are used. |
Data Management | The database is managed effectively as each microservice has its own database. | In the case of Micro frontend, The data is shared through APIs or global state management. |
Use Case | Microservices are best to use when a direct interaction with the customer is required. Moreover, if an enterprise wants to build an e-commerce application then microservices will be supreme in use. | When the developers want to show functionalities such as user reviews, product display, or to add a checkout process then a Micro front-end framework can be used. |
Challenges | The development team might face challenges of consistency, data integrity, and inter-service communication. | The development team might face challenges of consistency, data integrity, and inter-service communication The challenge of maintaining consistency can be observed. |
This comparison is for a reference to the project stakeholders. However, they can select one of the two services according to the specific project requirements.
Why Do Enterprises Choose a Micro Frontend with Angular?
The front-end team is responsible for addressing the development of micro front-end architecture in the web development process. The enterprises can hire web developers who are the experts in including the necessary features.
Enterprises should choose a Micro frontend with angular for its numerous benefits. The combination provides opportunities for businesses to add interactive features and functionalities. In this section, we have shared the definition of micro front-end architecture and what is its role with Angular.
Role of Angular in Micro Frontend Architecture
Angular quickly became famous, it has some standout features like dependency injection, a modular architecture, and the magic of two-way data binding. If developers want to build dynamic web apps, Angular is the way to go.
By combining Angular with a Micro frontend approach developers can harness the strengths of both technologies like handling a massive application not as one daunting entity but as a collection of smaller, manageable pieces.
Transform them with our Angular development services powered by Micro Frontend technology!
Each team could work on their specific part of the project, making updates and scaling so much more straightforward. It also makes the whole development process more engaging and collaborative. Teams can work independently but still towards a unified goal this approach also brings a significant boost to teamwork. The best part? Developers can end up with cleaner, more maintainable code.
This section has provided a clear vision of the Micro frontend with angular. Allow us to discuss the advantages of using Angular with Micro frontend architecture.
Also Read: Top Features of Angular 10.1 that Developers Should Know
Benefits of Using Angular with Micro Frontend
The project stakeholders will be surprised to know that there are several advantages of using angular with Micro frontends. Some of these are discussed below:
1. Scalability:
Imagine, if you’re working on a massive app, but instead of one huge, unwieldy codebase, you’ve got these smaller Micro frontends. Each one can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently. This setup makes it a breeze to allocate resources and manage load effectively.
2. Maintainability:
With the Micro frontends approach, developers can deal with smaller, self-contained modules. Updating and maintaining smaller parts of the entire system is way easier and doesn’t risk affecting the entire application.
3. Team Autonomy:
The top feature while working with the Micro frontend is that the discrete team works independently on the Micro frontend. We have seen teams using various versions of Angular or even mixing in other technologies where it made sense. This freedom not only sparks innovation but also cuts down on inter-team dependencies.
4. Faster Development Cycle:
Angular with a Micro frontend promotes the fast deployment of an application. If you want to implement a new feature, you can deploy it immediately without waiting for other app components to be finished.
5. Resilience:
Finally, there’s the comfort in knowing that if one Micro frontend fails, the system as a whole remains undamaged. To keep a strong application, this resilience is essential.
The front-end applications can be built with modularity and required features when angular is used with a Micro frontend architecture. The enterprises can build complex applications easily with the combination.
Hire best Front-end developers to enhance functionality!
What are the Alternatives of Angular with Micro Frontends?
While there are many advantages for developers when using Angular with Micro frontends, it is also important to avoid dark vision. Since every project is different, it is equally important for developers to look into available alternative approaches and frameworks. Although using angular with Micro frontends offers advantages, one must analyze the options. It is essential to finding the ideal fit for your project.
1. Single-Page Applications:
Developers frequently use popular frameworks like Angular, React, or Vue.js to design Single page Applications. The content is updated dynamically without requiring a page reload when users interact with the application. A single HTML page may lead to a very simple and seamless user experience. Even though a SPA created with React, Angular, or Vue.js can offer an excellent user experience, developers must take scalability into account in advance.
2. Monolithic Architecture:
At the start, monolithic architectures can indeed make development easier. You’ve all your code in one spot, which sounds convenient initially. But as your application grows and the codebase evolves, things can get messed up. Also, maintaining the code becomes a massive headache for developers.
3. Other Frameworks:
Angular is often the topic of discussion in the community when it comes to front-end development. Still, we can’t ignore Vue.js and React. These frameworks are great choices as well, and each has a dedicated fan base. Both, especially in Micro frontend configurations, can perform just as well as Angular.
The section has described that there are options to use a Micro frontend architecture but the project stakeholders must also consider the limitations.
Also Read: Quick Comparison of Web Development Frameworks for Your Project
Case Study: Implementing Angular Micro Frontend
It’s fascinating to see how some major players in the tech world are leveraging Angular with Micro frontend architecture to boost their application’s modularity and scalability. Here are a few standout examples that illustrate this trend:
- DAZN: DAZN, a global sports streaming provider, decided to update their complex software by using a Micro frontend method. They have decided to go with Angular to break up their huge front end into smaller, easier-to-manage components. This allowed each of their teams to focus on specific software components freely. This got up the development process and greatly simplified project update management for them. It seems exciting to have one team dedicatedly work for the live streaming interface and another work on user account management.
- Halodoc: This Indonesian health tech platform uses Angular for each module of its Control Center app by integrating Micro frontends. This change greatly simplifies updates and improves the structure of the codebases. This allowed their developer to mention that their build times had been drastically reduced. Also, a lot more efficiency was achieved in handling shared tasks like state management and authentication. It is remarkable how numerous procedures can be made more efficient by a well-structured system.
- Okta: Okta is very well-known for identity management to improve user experience. Using Angular with a Micro frontend architecture was beneficial for integrating interactive features such as sign-ins. Likewise, other functionalities are created by dividing the components into various parts. This allowed the developers to modify each component without affecting the entire system.
- IKEA: To improve user experience on their website, IKEA, the largest furniture seller worldwide, began utilizing Micro frontends. Their website’s user interaction and page loading speed improved dramatically as an outcome of this modification. IKEA has made improvements to the different sections of their website and witnessed how they work together more easily by implementing a system that enables their developers to make separate updates for each part.
- Spotify: Micro frontends are used by the famous music streaming service Spotify to improve the functionality of their website. As a result, both development and management aspects have been achieved with this strategy. In order to maintain the service’s flexibility and user-friendliness, they are able to quickly and safely test new features. It’s like an innovation playground where new concepts can be tested out without risking the entire platform.
These examples demonstrate the significant benefits of using Angular with a Micro frontend design with their websites. By breaking down large applications into smaller, independent parts, developers of such organizations can easily manage complex apps more effectively and support smooth, scalable growth. It clearly shows that this architectural approach is making waves in how we think about building and maintaining modern web applications.
Are these points supportive of your decision to select the Micro frontend? Not yet? Check out the next section in which you will find the scenarios in which such architecture will fit the best.
When to Use a Micro Frontend Architecture?
By this section, it has been understood that Angular plays a significant role in developing scalable web applications along with Micro frontend. Let us understand the possibilities of using this framework for development.
1 When Enterprises Have Large Teams: For big projects, Micro frontend Architecture fits the best to be used. Each team member is assigned distinguished tasks without any interruption to the process.
2 For Complex Projects Where Individual Deployment is Required: For example, in a web application a payment feature has to be modified. In that case, no other functionality will be disturbed. During the development of complex projects, the companies can hire developers or a dedicated development team who can guarantee to build good software.
3 When Scalability Feature is Required: The considerable aspect is that technological advancements are continuously bringing newer ways to transform businesses. The scalability feature is important to support the development process.
4 To Build a Cross-Platform Application: The enterprises that are searching for software development companies that develop a cross-platform app then they are in the right place. The software developers of Hidden Brains will build the applications with a Micro frontend that will have cross-platform capabilities.
5 When Frequent Releases Have to be Made for a Project: There are development environments in which the regular iterations have to be done. Micro Front End architectures allow developers to make changes in a particular part of the application multiple times without affecting the entire system.
The enterprise can choose web application development services from a renowned company like Hidden Brains to build scalable applications.
Pros and Cons of MFA
The Pros and Cons of Micro frontend architecture (MFA) must be considered before committing. Below is a summary of what to anticipate:
Pros of Micro frontend Architecture
1. Modularity:
MFA provides excellent modularity. Codebases that are smaller are simpler to maintain and comprehend, therefore it is refreshing to move from a large, monolithic app to Micro frontends, which make everything more manageable and organized.
2. Independent Deployments:
The capacity to distribute updates autonomously is an additional wonderful advantage. This lowers the risk of releasing updates or new features considerably. Without having to worry about breaking the rest of the app, developers can release new features to a single section of the program.
3. Scalability:
MFA enables developers to scale particular web application components in response to demand. It was very effective that they could scale those features without impacting the remainder of the application.
Cons of Micro Frontend Architecture
1. Complex Integration:
Developers must have to do careful planning for the initial setup and integration, which can be complicated. Consideration should be given to debugging integration problems as switching to Micro frontends can require many hours of work.
2. Performance Overhead:
Because Micro frontends load separately, there may be performance problems. Hence, several loading strategy optimizations could have been made by developers to guarantee a project’s smooth operation.
3. Consistency:
It can be difficult to keep a consistent user experience across various Micro frontends.
Challenges and Solutions for Implementing a Micro Frontend Architecture
The developers might face a handful of challenges while implementing the Micro frontend Architecture. Here is a list of some of them:
1 Integration Complexity
Challenge: There can be an issue with the developers while implementing multiple architectures.
Solution: To resolve this issue they can make use of suitable tools such as single-spa or module federation.
2 Consistent User Experience
Challenge: A seamless user experience is challenging to achieve because each Micro frontend is built by a discrete developer with a different approach.
Solution: The development team can choose a styling solution such as CSS-in-JS or any other to maintain consistency.
3 Performance Overheads
Challenge: There could be performance issues because of multiple architectures.
Solution: Lazy Loading along with code splitting can be used for this purpose.
4 Challenge for State Management
Challenge: The developers might face the challenge of managing and synchronizing states across different Micro frontends.
Solution: The solution is to utilize the global state management tools.
5 Coordination with Front End Team
Challenge: The developers might face a concern in collaborating with the other team members.
Solution: The best thing that they can do is to maintain comprehensive documentation.
These challenges can be overcome when the right personnel is working with the right tools. The companies must Hire Angular Developers who can understand the requirements and could convert them into dynamic web applications.
Schedule a consultation with our experts today!
Conclusion
The detailed blog concludes that Angular with Micro frontend Architecture is a great approach that enterprises can utilize to build dynamic, scalable, and modern web applications. Not only a focused development but a flexible web app with robust features can be developed with MFA. With the rapid technological advancements, the project stakeholders of large enterprises must select such an architecture to gain a competitive advantage. Streamlined software development is the crucial thing that businesses need. However, building applications with a Micro frontend Architecture can be the ideal choice.
How Hidden Brains Can Help Enterprises in Modern Web Development?
Using Micro frontend in combination with Angular can simplify web development and ensure scalability, maintainability and future-proofing of your web applications. Our team of dedicated software developers are available to help you overcome these challenging obstacles and achieve outstanding results as you embark on this critical journey.
At Hidden Brains, our development team is a master at implementing the best practices of Angular development. When you hire Angular developers from us, you retain complete control over your technical resources throughout the development process. Together, let’s walk this path and realize the greatest potential for your project. Write to us at biz@hiddenbrains.com with your specific queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Using the Micro frontend with angular has several benefits as you have read from the blog. However, this section will resolve most of your queries.
How to Handle Inter-Component Communication in Micro frontends?
The developers can make use of state management, and RESTful APIs or can use a Micro frontend framework to handle the inter-component communication. Besides these, shared library and URL-based communication can also be used to define the clear interface between the components.
What are the Challenges Enterprises Face to Build Applications with Micro frontend Architecture?
Performance issues can occur when building applications with a Micro frontend framework. The initial load time might increase which can be solved with lazy loading and code splitting. The runtime performance issues might occur due to increased JavaScript bundle size or inefficient rendering. To solve this challenge, efficient bundling and minification techniques can be used.
How to Ensure Consistent Styling Across Micro frontends?
The developers need to work on designing aspects using CSS Management, by creating a unified design system, theming, and centralizing styling bundles. There are many CSS-in-JS libraries using global stylesheets.
How To Deploy Micro frontends?
Micro frontends are deployed independently according to the discrete functionality that is created in the application. Independent deployments are done to a web server, CDN or a container platform. Version management is done to ensure compatibility and smooth transactions.
What are the Best Practices for Testing Micro frontends?
Enterprises that want to build complex web applications must ensure that the micro front ends are tested to ensure improved functionality. Some of the best practices include:
1. Unit testing
2. Integration Testing
3. End-to-end Testing
These allow quality analysts to ensure that the entire web application is working properly.