Introduction
As modern operations grow and become increasingly complex, managing a large monolithic front end becomes increasingly delicate — especially when multiple brigades are involved. Micro-frontend offers a result by dividing a large Angular operation into lower, independently deliverable modules. Each module represents a specific point or functionality and can be developed, detailed, and maintained singly.
This armature allows brigades to work in parallel without stepping on each other’s toes, reducing law conflicts and speeding up development and release cycles. It’s particularly useful in enterprise operations where multitudinous services and features need to be combined seamlessly.
What is a Micro-Frontend?
A micro frontend is an architectural approach that breaks a large web operation into lower, independent frontend operations. Each part (called a Micro Frontend) is erected, tested, and stationed independently — frequently by different brigades with their own factors, services, and indeed technologies like Angular, Reply, or Vue.
Just like microservices in the backend, micro frontends allow teams to work in parallel on different features without affecting the whole system. These lower apps are integrated into a single unified stoner experience, constantly using routing or advanced ways like Module Federation.
Benefits of Micro Frontend Architecture
Executing micro frontends in Angular offers several advantages, especially for large and complex operations developed by multiple parties:
- CI/CD Mechanization
Each micro front end is erected and stationed independently, allowing seamless integration with CI/ CD channels. This simplifies development and ensures quick error discovery without impacting the entire operation. - Team Autonomy & Flexibility
Multiple teams can work on different micro frontends concurrently using their preferred tools and fabrics. This enhances productivity and allows for alike development across features. - Single Responsibility Principle
Each micro frontend is held by a specific team responsible for its functionality. This ensures focus, responsibility, and more quality control. - Code Reusability
Modules erected as micro frontends can be reused across different corridors of the operation, reducing duplication and perfecting consistency. - Technology Agnosticism
Brigades can use different frontend technologies like Angular, Reply, or Vue for each micro frontend based on the use case — allowing for flexible, best-fit results. - Scalability & Maintainability
Micro frontends allow the operation to gauge efficiently. Lower code bases are easier to understand, maintain, and refactor. - Incremental Upgrades
Individual corridors of the operation can be streamlined or replaced without impacting the entire system, enabling safer and faster advancements. - Simplified Learning Curve
Inventors can snappily onboard and contribute by working on insulated, lower modules rather than the entire megalith.
Challenges of Micro-Frontends
- Complexity
Challenge: Managing multiple codebases, repositories, and deployment pipelines can quickly become complex and overwhelming.
Solution:
- Use Mono repos with tools like Nx to manage multiple Angular applications in a single workspace.
- Define clear ownership and boundaries for each micro frontend.
- Performance Overhead
Challenge: Loading multiple independently bundled apps can increase initial load time and degrade performance.
Solution:
- Use Module Federation to share common dependencies (e.g., Angular, RxJS) across micro frontends to reduce duplication.
- Implement lazy loading to load only the necessary micro frontend when required.
- Common Component State Management
Challenge: Synchronizing state across multiple micro frontends is difficult and can lead to inconsistencies.
Solution:
- Keep each micro frontend’s state isolated as much as possible.
- For the Common Component state, use event-based communication (e.g., custom events or Common Component services via Module Federation).
- Consider using a Common Component state library (e.g., NgRx or Redux) only when necessary.
- Consistency in Design and UX
Challenge: Different teams working independently may lead to inconsistent UI/UX.
Solution:
- Establish a design system and a Common Component library (e.g., using Angular libraries).
- Define UI/UX guidelines and ensure that all follow them.
- Conduct regular design reviews and cross-team syncs to align on visual and Major ways of adopting Micro Frontend in Angular.
Setting up Micro-Frontend with Angular
Step 1: Creating the Shell Application
The shell operation serves as the holder for the micro-frontend. It handles routing and provides a common layout.
1. Produce a New Angular Operation
2. Set up Angular Router
In app-routing.module.ts, define routes for the micro-frontend.
Step 2: Creating Micro-Frontend Applications
Each micro frontend is a separate Angular operation that can be developed and detailed single-handedly.
Produce New Angular Applications
2. Configure Webpack Module Federation Plugin
To enable the dynamic load of micro frontends, we use the Webpack Module Federation Plugin. Add the following configuration to webpack.config.js in each micro frontend design.
3. Acclimate angular.json for Custom Webpack Configuration
Modify angular.json to use the custom Webpack configuration.
4. Expose Factors and Modules
Expose the necessary factors and modules in each micro frontend.
Step 3: Integrating Micro Frontends into the Shell Application
1. Configure Webpack Module Federation in Shell
Like the micro frontends, configure the Webpack Module Federation Plugin in the shell operation.
2. Configure Routes in the Shell Application
Assure the routes in the shell operation are properly configured to load the micro frontends.
3. Run the Applications
Assure all operations (shell and micro frontends) are running.
Visit http://localhost:4200 to see the shell operation, which should load the micro frontends as configured.
Step 4: Handling Common Component State and Communication
Managing the Common Component state and communication between micro frontends is pivotal for a cohesive experience.
1. Using a Common Component Library
Produce a Common Component library that can be used by all micro frontends to manage the state and provide common services. In the Common Component library, define common services.
2. Using the Common Component Library in Micro Frontends
Import and use the Common Component library in each micro frontend to maintain a harmonious state and grease communication.
Conclusion
Building Micro Frontends in Angular means creating a shell app that loads lower, independent apps using Webpack Module Federation. This helps teams work independently, scale briskly, and manage code more fluently.
While this setup brings multiple benefits, it also adds some complexity — like handling shared data and performance. These can be managed with good planning, a shared component library, and clear team communication.
When done well, Angular Micro Frontends offers a solid way to build modern, flexible, and scalable web applications.