A new way of sharing code
Tags: webdev, javascript, frontend, development
Published: 2023-10-29 18:14:02

Remember the days when a **group homework assignment** meant everyone bringing their bits to the table, hoping it would all fit together into a **coherent whole**? Yet, more often than not, piecing it all together felt like trying to complete a puzzle with pieces from different boxes.

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### Enters Module Federation

Module Federation turns this chaotic scenario into a smooth process in the coding world, allowing different applications to **share their code and dependencies dynamically**, just like seamlessly merging pieces of a group homework.

In a traditional setup, when different teams work on separate features of a **large application**, integrating these features can often feel like a group trying to mash together different parts of a project. The challenge? Getting all the pieces to fit just right to form a **coherent picture**. But with Module Federation, it’s like each piece of the homework knows exactly where it belongs, making the assembly process **intuitive** and the final picture beautifully **coherent**.

{% cta https://github.com/webcrumbs-community/webcrumbs %} Interested in Module Federation? {% endcta %}

{% cta https://github.com/webcrumbs-community/webcrumbs %} Join WebCrumbs! {% endcta %}

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Let’s simplify this. Module Federation allows separate applications to **share their code dynamically**. For instance, if App A needs a piece of code that App B has, it can request it at runtime. If the code is updated later in App B, App A gets the updated version on the next render. This **dynamic sharing** makes applications 'aware' of each other’s code and dependencies, reducing duplication and streamlining the **integration process**.

This ease the **integration process** and opens up a new world of **micro-frontends**. Micro-frontends are like smaller pieces of a larger project, each developed, tested, and deployed independently by different teams. This makes the development process more **manageable and scalable** as the application grows, much like a group project where each member can work on their part independently, yet bring it all together into a coherent whole.

{% embed https://dev.to/opensourcee/companies-already-using-micro-frontends-and-why-o37 %}

{% cta https://github.com/webcrumbs-community/webcrumbs %} Dive into Micro-Frontends! {% endcta %}

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### But here’s a cherry on top! 

Module Federation isn't just for **sharing code** between applications. It enables a whole new level of **flexibility** in developing and deploying features. With micro-frontends, you can deploy new features or updates to a **live application** without redeploying the entire app. This means **faster deployments** and less downtime. And with Module Federation, the process becomes even smoother.

While the buzz around Module Federation is loud, there are alternatives that might catch your eye. For instance, **Import Maps** is considered a web-native alternative to Module Federation for managing micro-frontends at runtime, without the vendor lock-in scenario that comes with relying on webpack.

The journey of exploring Module Federation has been insightful. It's like finding a new trail that promises a less bumpy ride for our project, **WebCrumbs**. This journey is filled with discoveries that nudge the web development community a step closer to a more **collaborative and efficient workflow**.

{% cta https://github.com/webcrumbs-community/webcrumbs %} Star our repository if you haven't yet ;) {% endcta %}

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As we experiment with Module Federation in WebCrumbs, we're not just sharing code; we're sharing a **vision of simplified web development** where creativity takes the front seat, and chores take a backseat. This is a narrative that resonates with the essence of WebCrumbs, fostering a space where developers come together to **build, share, and grow**.

{% embed https://github.com/webcrumbs-community/webcrumbs %}