Revolutionize your frontend architecture with Module Federation

Revolutionize your frontend architecture with Module Federation

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Problem with the Current Architecture
3. Introducing Webpack Module Federation
4. Setting Up the Main App
5. Exposing Components to Share
6. Configuring the Shop App
7. Dynamically Importing Components from the Main App
8. Exposing Pages through Module Federation
9. Handling Errors and Loading States
10. Exporting the Shop Module as a Static Asset

Article

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the concept of webpack module federation and how it can solve some of the issues related to reloading and unnecessary API requests in a decoupled architecture. We will explore the use of a single container app that orchestrates the loading of individual applications or modules, allowing for a smoother user experience without the need for constant page reloads.

The Problem with the Current Architecture

Currently, our architecture involves having a frontend server, such as NGINX, configured at the front to target different applications depending on the requested page. While this approach allows for independent deployment and maintenance of each app, it comes with a downside. Every time a user navigates between pages, the entire page has to be reloaded, resulting in a poor user experience. Additionally, unnecessary API requests are made, further impacting performance.

Introducing Webpack Module Federation

Webpack module federation offers a solution to the aforementioned issues. The idea behind this concept is to have a single container app that serves as the main application. This container app can dynamically load and orchestrate other applications, modules, or components into itself, ensuring a seamless single page application experience without the need for constant page reloads.

Setting Up the Main App

To get started with webpack module federation, we need to configure our main app. This app will act as the container and will be responsible for loading and orchestrating other applications or modules. We will first Create two applications - the main app and the shop app. The main app will contain basic components that can be shared with the shop app, such as a footer and a header.

Exposing Components to Share

To share the components from the main app with the shop app, we will configure module federation. This involves exposing the specific components, such as the footer and the navigation bar, from the main app. The shop app can then dynamically import and use these components.

Configuring the Shop App

Next, we will configure the shop app to connect to the main app and Consume the shared components. We will utilize the dynamically imported components in the shop app, allowing us to reuse the same components without duplication. By connecting to the main app, the shop app can also navigate between pages and maintain a smooth transitions between them.

Dynamically Importing Components from the Main App

In the shop app, we will use dynamic imports to load the components from the main app. This allows us to dynamically import the shared components, such as the footer, without having to reload the entire shop app. We will also explore the concept of pages in Next.js, where we can load entire views from the main app into the shop app, enhancing the user experience.

Exposing Pages through Module Federation

Next.js provides the functionality to expose all the pages as individual modules through module federation. This means we can load specific pages from one app into another app without the need for page reloads. We will create a catalog page in both the main app and the shop app and dynamically import and render these pages as needed.

Handling Errors and Loading States

While using module federation, it's important to handle potential errors when loading components or pages. In case a remote module or page fails to load, we need to provide proper error handling and fallback options. Additionally, we can implement loading states to indicate when a module or page is being loaded.

Exporting the Shop Module as a Static Asset

Finally, we will export the shop module - consisting of the shop app and its components - as a static asset. This allows us to deploy the module to an S3 bucket and load the components from there. By hosting the module in an S3 bucket, we can further optimize the loading speed and performance of our application.

Conclusion

Webpack module federation offers a powerful solution to the challenges of reloading and unnecessary API requests in a decoupled architecture. By using a single container app, we can orchestrate the loading of individual applications, modules, or components into a main app, resulting in a smoother user experience and improved performance. With module federation, we can enhance our single page application without sacrificing reload times or making unnecessary API requests.

Highlights:

1. Introduction to webpack module federation and its benefits in decoupled architectures
2. Solving the issue of page reloads and unnecessary API requests
3. Creating a container app to orchestrate the loading of applications or modules
4. Sharing components between apps to reduce duplication
5. Loading entire pages from one app to another for seamless transitions
6. Handling errors and loading states in module federation
7. Exporting the app as a static asset for optimized performance

FAQ:

Q: What is webpack module federation? A: Webpack module federation is a concept that allows for the dynamic loading and orchestration of applications, modules, or components within a container app.

Q: How does module federation help with page reloads and unnecessary API requests? A: By using a container app, module federation eliminates the need for page reloads when navigating between pages and reduces the number of unnecessary API requests.

Q: Can components be shared between apps in module federation? A: Yes, components can be shared between apps in module federation, reducing duplication and improving code reuse.

Q: How can module federation improve the user experience? A: Module federation allows for seamless transitions between pages without the need for full page reloads, resulting in a smoother user experience.