Presentation Layer Patterns: MVC, MVP, MVVM, MVI, Vibe

Presentation Layer Patterns: MVC, MVP, MVVM, MVI, Viber

When discussing software design, it's essential to understand the different presentation layer patterns and their specific uses. Here, we'll explore MVC, MVP, MVVM, MVI, and Viber, highlighting their differences and applications.

1- MVC (Model-View-Controller)

The MVC pattern is a one-way orientation pattern, meaning it can either send data or receive data at a time, but not both simultaneously. This makes it suitable for straightforward scenarios where feedback is not necessary. For example, Consider a subscription form where users enter their information and submit it. In this scenario, the form sends the data to an API without waiting for a response, making MVC an ideal choice (you can see this pattern as a synchronous pattern).

2- MVP (Model-View-Presenter) and MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel)

MVP and MVVM are both designed for two-way communication, meaning they can send and receive data while also handling events that might require waiting. For example, with a subscription form, you might need to show a popup alert to inform the user that their subscription was successful in this scenario you can choose one of them. The key difference between the two is that MVVM is based on the observable pattern. In MVVM, if the API changes the local database, this change can be observed and a notification can alert the user. This happens implicitly, without direct user involvement, making MVVM ideal for scenarios where system changes need to be communicated to the user automatically ((you can see this pattern as an asynchronous pattern).).

3- MVI (Model-View-Intent)

MVI focuses on changes in the state of the screen. Every time an event occurs, the state of the screen is updated accordingly. For example, If any event happens, such as a button click or data fetch, the screen state changes to reflect the new information.

Application in Frontend and Backend

We often see MVVM, MVP, and MVI in mobile, web, and desktop applications because they allow asynchronous updates to the endpoint(user interfaces). This means any change in the model is immediately reflected to the user. Implementing these patterns on the backend is more challenging. In backend development, MVC is often used because it doesn't require asynchronous updates to the endpoint. Therefore, event handling in APIs, like in ASP.NET MVC, typically implements the MVC pattern rather than MVVM or MVP.

You can technically use multiple patterns in one application, like MVC and MVP, but it is not preferred. These patterns act as strategies rather than full architectures. In contrast, software architectures like Hexagonal or Clean Architecture are comprehensive and guide the entire system, so you cannot mix them.

Choosing the Right Pattern

Selecting the appropriate presentation layer pattern depends on various criteria, including the specific needs of your application, data flow, and user interactions. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each pattern is vital to making an informed decision that aligns with your project's requirements.