BFF — Backend (as a friend) For Frontend: Pros and Cons

In my previous article, we delved deep into the complications of integrating APIs with mobile apps, especially when dealing with a monolithic system tailored for web clients. We highlighted the challenges of ensuring a one-size-fits-all API to meet the demands of various client types, including mobile apps, voice assistants, and third-party services. Offering a solution to these challenges, we introduced the concept of the Backend For Frontend (BFF) design pattern. BFF acts as an intermediary layer between microservices and each client type, facilitating a tailored API experience for each. This means mobile clients can enjoy an optimized experience without unnecessary data bloat. The power of the BFF doesn’t stop there; it streamlines maintenance, offers better API versioning per frontend, and can enhance system performance. With examples, we showcased how the BFF structure can be gradually implemented into existing systems and the advantages of fault tolerance that it offers. In this article, we will review the pros and cons of Backend for Frontend and how they may affect our business needs.

How can we assess the business value of BFF?

Building on our in-depth exploration of the Backend For Frontend (BFF) design pattern, let’s delve into its significant impact on the business realm: