Embarking on a Journey with Micro Frontends: A Keralaite Software Architect’s Tale

I am Shanoj, a passionate software architect hailing from the enchanting land of Kerala, India. In this article, I am thrilled to take you on a captivating journey of discovery and innovation as I explore the fascinating world of micro frontends. Join me as I unravel the transformation of our software development approach, much like the serene backwaters of Kerala flowing into uncharted territories.

The Monolithic Conundrum:

As I stood amidst the breathtaking scenery of Kerala, I couldn’t help but notice the striking similarity to our software development challenges. Our team was working on a massive monolithic frontend application that mirrored the tangled maze of the region’s lush forests. Maintenance was cumbersome, and collaboration among teams seemed like a distant dream.

Embracing Microservices in the Backends:

Inspiration struck as I witnessed the seamless harmony of Kerala’s backwaters. Microservices were transforming the backend development landscape, offering modular and autonomous solutions. I couldn’t help but wonder, why not apply the same principles to our front-end development?

Discovering Micro Frontends:

Eager to explore this new frontier, I dived into the realm of micro frontends, akin to an explorer charting uncharted waters. It was then that I stumbled upon the enchanting magic of Webpack’s Module Federation. Like the spices that give Kerala cuisine its unique flavor, Webpack added a delightful twist to our frontend architecture.

Designing the Shell Application:

Just as Kerala’s traditional houseboats, locally known as “Kettuvallams,” navigate through the backwaters, we set out to build our shell application. This application would act as the captain, orchestrating and composing the smaller modules or micro frontends.

Setting Sail with Micro Frontends:

Each micro frontend was a manifestation of a unique feature, much like the colourful Kathakali dance masks of Kerala. With Angular Architect’s Web Module Federation, we effortlessly exposed and consumed these micro frontends, each residing on its own independent server.

Dynamic Loading in Full Swing:

The vibrant rhythm of Kerala’s snake boat races inspired us to optimize our application’s performance with dynamic loading. Fetching micro frontends only when needed reduced the initial load time, creating a faster and more delightful user experience.

Scaling New Heights:

Our micro frontend architecture breathed new life into our development process, much like the refreshing monsoon rains of Kerala. This modular approach empowered teams to work independently, scale specific features as required, and deploy with unwavering confidence.

As the sun sets over the horizon of Kerala, my journey with micro frontends comes to a close, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and transformation. Like the ever-evolving culture of Kerala, our software journey will continue to progress, embracing the wonders of micro frontends and unlocking new possibilities.

So, dear readers, as you traverse the lush greenery of Kerala in your thoughts, take a moment to contemplate how micro frontends can revolutionize your own software development voyage. Embrace the change, and together, let’s navigate the boundless waters of innovation and growth!