The Architecture of the BFF Pattern
The Blueprint
The architecture of the BFF pattern primarily consists of individual backends (the BFFs), each catering to a specific frontend. These BFFs, in turn, communicate with the underlying microservices to fetch the required data.
Let's break down this structure:
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Frontend Applications: These are the various user-facing applications, such as desktop, mobile, or web applications. They are like the customers ordering from a menu in a restaurant.
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BFFs (Backends for Frontends): Each BFF is paired with a specific frontend application, catering to its unique requirements. They are like the chefs preparing each dish according to a customer's preferences.
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Microservices: These are the underlying services that the BFFs interact with to fetch data. They are like the kitchen staff, providing the raw materials needed for each dish.
A Closer Look at BFFs
But what does a BFF (Backend for Frontend) actually do? It takes on several crucial responsibilities:
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Tailored Data Delivery: Each BFF ensures that its paired frontend receives just the data it needs. It's like a filter, ensuring that the frontend isn't overwhelmed with unnecessary information.
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Streamlining Communication: The BFF communicates with multiple microservices, consolidates the data, and presents it to the frontend in a streamlined manner. It's like an interpreter, translating a myriad of languages into one that the frontend understands.
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Handling Client-Specific Logic: Each BFF can also handle logic specific to its frontend, relieving the client from complex computations. It's like a personal assistant, taking care of tasks to make the client's job easier.
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