What is Microfrontend Architecture

Microfrontend Architecture is an approach where a frontend application is broken down into smaller, independent modules that can be developed, tested and deployed in isolation just like microservices in the backend.

Instead of having a monolithic frontend, microfrontends enable teams to work on different parts of the UI independently and integrate them seamlessly into a single application.

How Microfrontend work ?

Each microfrontend:

• Is developed as an independent application (with its own repo, framework, or build process).
• Can be built with different technologies (React, Angular, Vue, etc.).
• Communicates with others via events, APIs, or shared state.
• Is integrated into a main shell/container using techniques like iframe, Web Components, Module Federation, or Edge Side Includes (ESI).

Why use MicroFrontends ?

💡 Scalability – Different teams can work on different features without stepping on each other’s.

💡 Independent Deployment – Update one part of the app without affecting the whole system.

💡Technology Agnostic – Each team can use there best tool for there specific needs.

💡Better Maintainability –Small, focused codebases are easier to manage.

How Microfrontends Are Integrated?

1️⃣ Module Federation (Webpack 5){" "} – Load different frontend modules dynamically at runtime.

2️⃣ Single SPA – A JavaScript framework that helps orchestrate multiple frontend apps.

3️⃣ Iframe Approach –Embed applications using iframes (not recommended due to performance & communication challenges).

4️⃣ Edge-Side Includes (ESI){" "} –Server-side composition of frontend parts.

5️⃣Web Components –Build self-contained UI components that work across frameworks.

Example Use Case

Imagine an e-commerce app:

• 🛒 Cart is built with React.
• 🔍 Search is built with Vue.
• 💳 Payments is built with Angular.
• 🏠 Homepage Shell hosts and integrates all microfrontends.

Each team manages its part independently, allowing faster development and deployment.

Challenges & Considerations

⚠ Performance Overhead – Multiple frameworks can increase bundle size.

⚠ State Management – Requires proper communication between microfrontends.

⚠ Version Mismatch –Different microfrontends may depend on different versions of libraries..

⚠ Routing Conflicts –Need a strategy to manage URLs across microfrontends.

Is Microfrontend Right for you

• ✅ Best for large-scale applications with multiple teams.
• ✅ Useful for gradual migration from a monolithic frontend.
• ✅ Ideal for organizations using different frontend frameworks.
• ❌ Overkill for small to mid-size projects.