How Microservices Architecture Benefit Mobile App Development
Earlier mobile app development followed the monolithic architecture model. However, in recent times mobile app development using microservices architecture is rising. In this architecture, the mobile app is not built as a single interconnected unit. Rather the app is broken down into independent components. Each component has a separate user interface, business logic, and database.

The leading advantages of using microservices architecture in mobile app development as per a poll of 354 firms are as follows

Less spending on infrastructure and software development resources.
Superior user experience
Ramped up the productivity of company staff

As per Camunda, 63% of organizations are using microservices to develop mobile apps. Red Hat estimates the percentage to be slightly higher at 69%.

Introduction to Monolithic Architecture
Earlier mobile app development used this model. Every part of the mobile app is linked to all other parts. In the event of component failure, there is an adverse impact on the whole application.

This architecture has 3 core parts

Business logic on the server site.
The user interface on the client site.
Database or storage system.
For your information, the front-end, back-end, and business logic are together in a single large unit in the case of monolithic architecture.

Introduction to Microservices Architecture
Here the mobile app is subdivided into independent, distinct units that are not linked together. Lightweight APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are used to make the different units operate together. It is a better alternative to monolithic architecture. Different software technologies can be used to develop different units. Features can be added, deleted, or modified in a single unit without affecting the other parts of the mobile app. In monolithic architecture, mobile app development happens as a series of stages. Whereas in microservices the different unit's development happens simultaneously. In other words, it is parallel software development. Developers don't have to wait for other developers to complete their tasks before commencing work. All developers can proceed to work at the same time in the beginning.

This model is ideal in the following scenarios

A legacy application needs refactoring
Additional features have to be incorporated into an already existing mobile app
A new mobile app has to develop from scratch
We take a look at some of the benefits of developing mobile apps using a microservices architecture.

Efficient and Smooth Upgradation
Technology keeps on evolving and improving. New mobiles, as well as mobile services, are released regularly. If you are not certain which device your mobile app will be placed on then choose microservices architecture. In this type of architecture, programmers are able to do fast upgrades to the app without interrupting its operations. Users get continuous service while programmers can continue with their tasks.

Scale Down Dependency on External Services
Mobile apps developed using microservices architecture get a virtual operating systems environment. As a result, programmers get to access the hardware used without adverse incidents. Each component has its own separate process, resource as well as storage. It does not have a dependence on other components. This type of architecture is much lighter when benchmarked against other types of mobile app development. Hence the mobile app developed using this architecture is lighter.

Superior Fault Isolation
In the case of monolithic architecture failure of any component adversely affects the entire mobile app. A good example is an e-commerce application created using monolithic architecture. If a particular component such as stored customer data or user interface hangs the mobile app's user experience quality suffers. The user will not be able to use other functions such as searching for items or making purchases. In the case of mobile apps built using microservices architecture even if the component malfunctions the other components continue to run.

In this type of technology, programmers can quickly identify the location of the fault. They can fix the faulty component while the other components continue to function. So, there is no downtime. Money is saved and user experience is not significantly impacted.

Ability to Choose from a Variety of Programming Languages and Frameworks
It is possible to build each microservice in any programming language of your choice. So, programmers can select the technology which works best for a particular service. The result is greater efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity. You get access to a wider pool of coders adept in different programming languages and frameworks.

The freedom to choose the best technology to build each component enables you to produce mobile apps that are of superior quality, are advanced, and provide enhanced as well as smooth user experience. You will not get this significant advantage in other existing techniques of mobile app development .

Ease of Maintenance
Each component of the mobile app is assigned a separate database. As a result, there is a lower risk of bugs in the app. Also, bugs in one component will not affect other components of the mobile app. Errors can be fixed in any component without affecting the other parts of the app. As the components are small and independent, they are simpler to maintain as well as debug. Changes can be made in less time. Money spent is less and effort is also less in maintaining mobile apps developed using a microservices architecture.

Convenient App Deployment
The developer teams can be divided into smaller groups. For example, a team based in India is responsible for two services while another team based in the US is responsible for three services. The respective teams can deploy their components independently. An advantage of microservices is improved collaboration. The code for the mobile app is created, tested as well as deployed simultaneously. As a result, coders are supplied with constant feedback on the development effort.

Ramp Up Productivity and Agility
The programmers get to choose the programming language and framework which works best for each component. As a result, the developed mobile app has superior quality, performance, and functionality. Complex apps can be broken down into manageable components. The amount of code required is less. Hence maintenance is easier. Less time, money, and effort are consumed in building the mobile app. Each development team is responsible for developing its own components. They don't have to wait for other development teams to complete their work. The freedom to work on separate components simultaneously increases productivity and speeds up the development effort.

Ease of Scalability
It is easier to scale up or down individual components. On the other hand, scaling monolithic applications is difficult and requires much more effort. You can add the latest features currently in demand in the market in individual components easily and quickly. Adopting microservices architecture results in the mobile app being faster. You can change the existing database to a better-quality database easily and quickly. This increases the speed of the particular component.

Checklist Before Adopting Microservices Architecture
Independence Level
Programmers have to make a decision about the connectivity of the features and services. They have three models to choose from.

Extreme Model
Each microservice has an exclusive database and user interface. There exists absolutely no connection between functions.

Semi Model
There are some connections between functions. Alterations to a particular microservice may have an impact on the rest.

Normal Model
The main services are fully disconnected and the branch services are fully connected.

How to Ensure that the Code is organized?
You have numerous ways available to do so. One stellar way is to set up a sole repository dubbed 'mono repo' for each and every service in your mobile app. Note that you require folders for every service.

Shortlist the Software Technology
Programmers should have clarity of goals before selecting the software technology for each microservice. This will help them make an informed decision and also ensure the success of the mobile app project.

How to go about Implementing Microsoft Services Architecture in Mobile App Development

First Step
Evaluate whether there is a genuine need from the company's perspective.

Second Step
Examine the available infrastructure.

Third Step
Assemble a capable team of developers.

Fourth Step
Keep the data admin in the loop and ensure the person comprehends the process.

Fifth Step
Make a decision on the programming languages and frameworks.

Sixth Step
Assemble the base architecture with services, containers as well as virtual machine templates.

Seventh Step
Divide the database into many smaller databases.

Eighth Step
Incorporate API gateways.

Ninth Step
Keep tabs on the monitoring.

Tenth Step
Employ automated testing.

Conclusion

It is important to have your mobile app leveraging microservices architecture. In fact, it is a necessity and not a luxury. Retain your competitive edge by adopting this useful and easy-to-incorporate technology. There exist many companies that use microservices architecture to build high-quality mobile apps. Focaloid is one such company.

About Us

Focaloid is a stellar software development products and services company catering to clients in the US & UK. We have the necessary expertise and experience in developing mobile apps using a microservices architecture. Focaloid has a dynamic team of talented and seasoned professionals in various domains and technologies. Over time we have established a mature outsourcing model which is productive, efficient as well as effective. You can safely rely on us to deliver outstanding software solutions and services within stipulated deadlines. Contact us at the earliest to know how we can help you. We are committed to superior client satisfaction and mutual growth.