Micro Frontends is a modern architectural approach in frontend development where a web application is split into smaller, independent pieces (micro-applications) that are developed, deployed, and maintained independently, much like microservices in the backend.
š What Are Micro Frontends?
Micro Frontends = Microservices for the frontend.
Instead of building a single monolithic frontend application, you break it down by features or teams. Each team owns an end-to-end slice of the application ā from database to user interface ā including the frontend.
š§© Key Principles
De-centralized development: Each team builds and deploys its own frontend module.
Technology agnostic: Teams can use different frontend frameworks (React, Vue, Angular, etc.) if needed.
Independent deployments: No need to redeploy the whole frontend to update one feature.
Isolation: Styles and JavaScript are isolated to avoid conflicts.
šļø Architecture Approaches
1. Build-Time Integration
All micro frontends are combined into a single bundle during build time.
Pros: Easier implementation.
Cons: Loses some deployment independence.
2. Run-Time Integration
Each micro frontend is loaded dynamically at runtime.
Methods:
iframes
, JavaScript imports, or using Module Federation in Webpack 5.More flexible and truly independent.
š ļø Tools & Technologies
Webpack Module Federation (most popular for runtime integration)
Single-SPA (framework for micro frontend orchestration)
Module Federation + React/Vue/Angular
Bit.dev (component-level federation)
Nx Monorepos (for managing multiple micro frontends)
ā Advantages
Faster development (multiple teams working in parallel)
Easier scalability and maintenance
Incremental upgrades (e.g., migrate Angular to React gradually)
Independent deployment cycles
ā Challenges
Complex setup and DevOps
Shared state management is tricky
Larger initial load time if not optimized
Cross-app communication and routing
š Real-World Use Cases
E-commerce platforms with teams handling search, product detail, cart, etc.
Enterprise dashboards with different departments managing different panels
Large SaaS products scaling frontend teams efficiently
š§Ŗ Example
// Host app loading remote app via Module Federation
import('remoteApp/Header').then((HeaderModule) => {
const Header = HeaderModule.default;
document.body.appendChild(Header());
});
šØāš» When to Use Micro Frontends?
Use them when:
You have multiple frontend teams working on a large project.
Independent deployments are critical.
You want to gradually migrate tech stacks.
Avoid them for:
Small or medium-sized projects.
Teams with limited DevOps experience.
If you want, I can:
Create a micro frontend starter project with Webpack Module Federation or Single-SPA.
Help you choose the right architecture for your use case.