Backend for frontend(BFF) pattern vs API gateway

Introduction

When designing microservices, two key patterns often come into play: BFF (Backend for frontend) and API Gateway. In this article, we'll delve into the basics of these patterns, exploring their purpose and comparing their roles in simplifying complex microservices architectures.

Problem Statement

To provide better experience, you may have more than one type of UI (mobile , web). The basic idea is to have a single server-side API for all the needs.

But the problem is these UI needs to show different data based on factors like screen size etc., so having a single general-purpose API is not the best idea. This is where BFF comes. Backend For Frontend, or BFF, is a pattern that addresses the challenges of diverse client requirements in a microservices architecture.

BFF Pattern

BFF layer is a orchestrator layer called as Backend for frontend. It is a dedicated backend service for each type of client (web, mobile, etc.) to ensure an optimal user experience. This approach allows developers to tailor backend services to the specific needs of a particular frontend, avoiding unnecessary complexity and ensuring efficient communication.

Key Benefits of BFF:

1. Customization for Each Client: BFF allows to provide only the data which client needs. This reduces the response size.
2. Improved Performance: By optimizing data and functionality for a particular frontend, BFF can enhance the overall performance of the application.

API gateway

An API Gateway is another crucial pattern in microservices architecture. It acts as a centralized entry point for managing and routing requests to various microservices. Instead of clients communicating directly with individual microservices, they interact with the API Gateway, which then forwards requests to the appropriate services.

Key Benefits of API Gateway:

1. Centralized Management: API Gateway provides a single point of entry for managing and routing requests, simplifying the overall architecture.
2. Security and Authentication: By handling security concerns centrally, API Gateway ensures a secure and authenticated communication channel between clients and microservices.

Conclusion

While both patterns play critical roles in microservices architecture, they serve different purposes. BFF is client-specific, focusing on tailoring backend services to meet the unique requirements of each frontend. On the other hand, API Gateway acts as a universal gateway for all clients, managing the overall communication flow and handling cross-cutting concerns. BFF is ideal when customization for different clients is needed, while API Gateway is beneficial for centralized management of communication and security. Happy Learning:)