How to use Vite to build Vue or React micro-frontends

vitewebpackmicrofrontend

Updated April 28, 2023

How to use Vite to build Vue or React micro-frontends

Micro Frontends (MFE) are a new way of structuring web applications that can improve development velocity, enable better team collaboration, and create a more maintainable codebase.

With Micro Frontends, you can break up your web application into smaller pieces that can be developed independently and deployed separately.

This means that you can update your web application without having to redeploy the entire thing!

There are a few different frameworks that can be used for Micro Frontends, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some of the more popular frameworks include:

  • React

  • Angular

  • Vue

  • Web Components

SingleSPA

SingleSPA is different from other frameworks because it is designed specifically for Micro Frontends. Other frameworks, such as Vue.js (Vue 2 or Vue 3), React, and Angular, can be used for Micro Frontends, but they are not explicitly designed for this purpose.

Module Federation

Module Federation is a way of structuring code that can be used to build Micro Frontends.

Module Federation allows different pieces of code to be loaded and executed independently.

This means that each piece of code can be updated and deployed independently. The standard architecture has a container app and multiple micro frontends which share common modules or components.

There are a few different Module Federation plugins that can be used to build Micro Frontends:

Webpack Module Federation Plugin

Webpackis a module bundler that can be used to bundle JavaScript modules. It is a powerful tool for bundling and optimizing JavaScript code. Webpack offers a plugin as part of the Webpack 5 package, so you can use it without extra dependencies. To start using it, add this plugin to webpack.config.js.

Vite Micro Frontend

Vite (Javascript)is a build tool that can be used to develop JavaScript applications. It has rich features like Typescript, JSX and CSS support. It provides a dev server with Hot Module Replacement (HMR) for local development that stays fast regardless of app size. Vite also has its ecosystem with multiple plugins for different front ends.

You can build a Micro frontend with Vite usingtheVite module federation plugin.

Vite uses Rollup as a default bundler. You can find a lot of examples with different front-end frameworks in its repository on GitHub.

Webpack and Vite can be used to build every Micro Frontend Single Page Application (SPA), and you can even use modules built with different bundlers!

Micro frontends Pros and Cons

Micro frontends Pros

  • Modules can be developed and deployed individually.

  • Modules can be tested in isolation.

  • MFE architecture forces you to structure your application and modules(components) better

  • MFE is very handy when you want to support multiple themes across many applications

Micro frontends Cons

  • Increased applications complexity

  • Responsibility for MF applications and modules might not be clear between teams.

  • Harder to perform E2E testing

  • Deployments require knowing your MFEs domains in advance.

  • Be careful about routing (consider using a Universal router)

The main concern about using MFE architecture is that it can make an application more complex. This can make it more challenging to develop and maintain.

However, the benefits of using Micro Frontends can outweigh the risks for many applications.

If you are considering using Micro Frontends for your next web application, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide if it is the right choice. I recommend you read an article about the Pros and Cons of MFE.

Testing

There are a few different ways to test Micro Frontends applications:

  • Unit testing: This type of testing focuses on testing the individual components of the application.

  • Integration testing: This type of testing focuses on testing how the different components of the application work together.

  • E2E testing: This type focuses on testing the entire application from end to end.

Micro Frontends are a new way of structuring web applications that can improve development velocity, enable better team collaboration, and create a more maintainable codebase. While some risks to consider in building your new UI, the benefits of using Micro Frontends can outweigh the risks for many applications.

If you want to reduce the risks while developing new features, this guide about feature flags can help you.

Related video

faqs.

Why use Vite React?

Vite React is a powerful tool for building React applications. Here are some reasons why you might want to use it:

  1. Fast development: Vite React is designed to be fast and lightweight, which means you can quickly develop and iterate on your React applications.
  2. Easy setup: Vite React is easy to set up and requires minimal configuration, which means you can get started with your React project quickly.
  3. Hot module replacement: Vite React supports hot module replacement, which means you can see your changes in real-time without having to refresh your browser.
  4. Support for TypeScript: Vite React has built-in support for TypeScript, which means you can easily add type checking to your React applications.
  5. Customizable: Vite React is highly customizable and supports a wide range of plugins and configurations, which means you can tailor it to your specific needs. Overall, Vite React is a great choice for building fast, efficient, and scalable React applications.

What is Vite in React?

Vite is a build tool and development server that is designed to be fast and efficient for modern web development. It is particularly popular for React development because it supports React's new JSX transform and allows for fast hot module replacement during development. Vite uses native ES modules in the browser, which allows for faster loading times and better performance. It also supports a wide range of modern web technologies, including TypeScript, CSS modules, and Vue.js components. Overall, Vite is a great choice for developers who want a fast and efficient tool for building React applications.

What is Vite Vue?

Vite Vue is a combination of two technologies: Vite and Vue. Vite is a build tool and development server that is designed to be fast and efficient. Vue, on the other hand, is a progressive JavaScript framework for building user interfaces.

Vite Vue is a powerful combination that allows developers to create web applications quickly and efficiently. With Vite Vue, developers can take advantage of the speed and performance of Vite while enjoying the ease of use and flexibility of Vue. This combination is particularly useful for building large-scale web applications that require high performance and scalability.

Is Vite a framework?

Yes, Vite is a build tool and development server that can be used as a framework for building modern web applications. It is designed to be lightweight, fast, and flexible and provides a modern development experience for building JavaScript applications. Vite supports various front-end frameworks such as Vue.js, React, and Angular and can be used for both small and large-scale projects.

What is MFE?

In programming, MFE can stand for "Micro Front End"

What is vitejs

Vitejs is a build tool and development server that is designed to be fast and lightweight for modern web development with JavaScript and TypeScript.

When to use micro frontends

Micro frontends are typically used in large-scale web applications where multiple teams are working on different parts of the application independently. It allows for greater flexibility, scalability, and easier maintenance of the application.

What is micro front end?

A micro front end is a technique used in software development where the front end of a web application is broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces that can be developed and deployed independently. Each micro front end is responsible for a specific feature or functionality and can be developed using different technologies or frameworks.

What Are Micro Frontends?

Micro Frontends (MFE) are a new way of structuring web applications that can improve development velocity, enable better team collaboration, and create a more maintainable codebase.

What is the main concern about using Micro Frontend architecture?

The main concern about using Micro Frontend architecture is that it can make an application more complex. This can make it more difficult to develop and maintain.

What is SingleSPA framework?

SingleSPA (or single-spa) is a framework that can be used to build Micro Frontends. SingleSPA helps developers to structure their code in a way that makes it easy to develop, deploy, and update independently.

What is a micro-frontend?

A micro-frontend is a microservice-based architectural approach to building web applications where the frontend codebase is broken down into smaller, independent parts, allowing for faster development and easier maintenance of the application.

How can I implement Vite to build micro-frontends?

To use Vite to build micro-frontends, you need to first create a Vue or React application and then configure Vite to bundle and serve the application. You can find detailed instructions on how to implement Vite with Vue or React on the official Vite documentation or on medium blogs recommended by developers.

What are some recommended resources to learn how to use Vite with Vue or React?

Some recommended resources for learning how to use Vite with Vue or React include the official Vite documentation, medium blogs written by experienced developers, and online forums such as Stack Overflow.

Can I use Vite to build micro-frontends with Angular?

Yes, Vite can be used to build Angular micro-frontend applications as well.

How can I incorporate routing and API calls in my micro-frontend application?

You can implement routing and API calls in your micro-frontend application by configuring your main.js file to import the necessary components and setting up the routing and API endpoints in your application’s root configuration file.

Can I use Vite to build micro-frontends with other libraries?

Yes, Vite can be used to build micro-frontends with other libraries aside from Vue and React, as long as they support ES modules.

Can I collaborate with other developers when building micro-frontends with Vite?

Yes, Vite supports import maps, which allows multiple developers to work together and collaborate on various parts of the application simultaneously.

How can I refresh my micro-frontend application when changes are made to the code?

Vite supports hot module replacement (HMR), which allows changes made to your micro-frontend application to be automatically reflected in the browser without having to refresh the page.

How does Vite differ from other bundlers like Webpack?

Vite uses an “on-demand compilation” approach to building and serving code, which improves the application’s runtime performance compared to Webpack.

Is it necessary to rename my existing application when implementing Vite to build micro-frontends?

No, it is not necessary to rename your existing application when implementing Vite to build micro-frontends. You can simply get the necessary part of your application by renaming your entry file and updating your HTML page and config file accordingly.

What is Vite?

Vite is a build tool that can be used to create highly performant web applications. It is built specifically with Vue and React in mind, and is optimized for creating micro-frontends.

How can I use Vite to build a micro-frontend app?

You can use Vite to create a micro-frontend app by setting up a root config in your main.js file. You can also use the recommended medium plugin to use single-spa to manage your micro-frontends.

Can Vite support both Vue.js and React micro-frontends?

Yes. Vite is optimized for building micro-frontends in both Vue.js and React, and comes equipped with features to support both frameworks.

Can I use an iframe to load my micro-frontends?

Yes. You can use an iframe to load your micro-frontends, but it is not the recommended approach. Instead, it is recommended to use a library like single-spa to manage your micro-frontends.

How can I set up local development for my Vite micro-frontend?

To set up local development for your Vite micro-frontend, you will need to have a local copy of your repo. Then, you can run the command “npm run dev” to start the local development server.

How does Vite support HMR (hot module replacement)?

Vite supports HMR out of the box with no additional configuration required. This means that changes can be made on the fly and automatically updated in the browser.

Can I use plugins with Vite?

Yes. Vite is built to work with plugins, and comes with a number of built-in plugins to help streamline your development process. You can also create your own plugins to customize the behavior of the bundler.

What is the role of webpack.config.js in a Vite application?

Vite does not use webpack by default, so there is no webpack.config.js file used in a Vite application. Instead, Vite relies on its own internal bundler to handle the app build process.

How can I override the root config in Vite?

To override the root config in Vite, you can pass in an object as an argument to the “createApp” function in your main.js file. This object will override any properties set in the root config.

Can I populate a Vite micro-frontend with data from another micro-frontend?

Yes. You can use a global event bus or a shared store to pass data between different micro-frontends.

How can a developer set up a Vite-based micro-frontend app for Vue or React?

To set up a Vite-based micro-frontend app for Vue or React, first install Vite and create a new project using a template for your desired framework. For example, run npm init @vitejs/app my-app and choose Vue or React. Next, install Single-spa for creating micro-frontends and configure your main.js file to connect it with Vite. Include proper routing for local development and organize your Vue or React components. Finally, customize your Vite and webpack.config.js settings to bundle the application for the desired environment.

Are there recommended plugins for enhancing Vite-based micro-frontends?

Yes, there are several recommended plugins for enhancing Vite-based micro-frontends, such as vite-plugin-checker, vite-plugin-react-ssr, and vite-plugin-pwa. These plugins provide functionalities like type-checking, server-side rendering, i18n support, and progressive web app features respectively. You can install and configure these plugins in your Vite configuration file based on your project requirements.

Can Vite be used to build Angular-based micro-frontends?

Yes, Vite can be used to build Angular-based micro-frontends. First, create an Angular project and set up Vite in your project directory. Install and configure the required dependencies and bundler, such as @angular-devkit and @angular-builders/custom-webpack. Modify your Angular configuration (angular.json) file to use the custom bundler and update the main.ts file to connect with Vite’s HMR. Ensure proper routing and component setup for your micro-frontend solution.

How do I implement HMR (Hot Module Replacement) in a Vite-based micro-frontend?

Vite provides built-in HMR support for both Vue and React applications. To implement HMR in a Vite-based micro-frontend, ensure your development server is running using vite or yarn vite. After that, Vite takes care of HMR functionality by automatically refreshing your app running in the browser whenever you make changes to your code. You do not need to implement HMR separately unless you have specific custom requirements.

Can I use iframes for building micro-frontends with Vite?

While it is possible to use iframes for building micro-frontends with Vite, it is not recommended due to potential issues with cross-origin communication, responsiveness, and browser compatibility. Instead, consider using a more modern approach with single-spa, custom elements, or Javascript frameworks, such as Vue and React, to create a more efficient, seamless, and maintainable micro-frontend architecture.

What are the benefits of using Vite for micro-frontend development?

Vite offers several benefits for micro-frontend development, including faster build times, built-in HMR, optimized bundling, and out-of-the-box support for Vue and React. It also supports popular plugins and extensions, making it easier to integrate with other tools and technologies frequently used in micro-frontend development. Overall, Vite provides a smooth and efficient developer experience, which can contribute to improved productivity and reduced development time.

How can I integrate API communication in a Vite-based micro-frontend app?

To integrate API communication in a Vite-based micro-frontend app, use standard web APIs like Fetch or Axios to make HTTP requests. Consider implementing an API client to handle all API calls and responses, and ensure proper error handling and security practices. Additionally, configure CORS policies in your server-side application as needed to prevent cross-origin issues and ensure seamless API communication between your micro-frontends and backend services.

Can I combine Vue and React in a single micro-frontend project using Vite?

Yes, you can combine Vue and React in a single micro-frontend project using Vite. To do this, first set up a Vite project with single-spa and configure separate applications for Vue and React components. Ensure proper routing for each app and utilize custom elements or a shared state management library to enable communication between the two frameworks. This way, you can leverage the strengths of both Vue and React in your micro-frontend architecture.

How do I ensure browser compatibility for the Vite-based micro-frontend?

To ensure browser compatibility for your Vite-based micro-frontend, utilize feature detection, polyfills, and proper CSS fallbacks where needed. Optimize the bundling process by configuring the target browser support in your Vite and webpack.config.js settings. Test your micro-frontend in multiple browsers and devices to identify and resolve potential compatibility issues. Moreover, consider using open standards, such as custom elements and web components, to maximize compatibility across different browser environments.

Do I need to use a boilerplate for creating a Vite-based micro-frontend?

Using a boilerplate can help streamline the process of creating a Vite-based micro-frontend, but it is not strictly necessary. You can create a Vite-based micro-frontend from scratch by following the necessary steps to set up your project, configure your bundlers and tools, and create your components and routing. However, a boilerplate can provide a pre-configured environment, saving time and effort during the initial setup phase.

related.

Ruslan Osipov

Ruslan Osipov

About the author