Serverless for Frontends

Microservices require an embedded runtime, a specific deployment location, and manual orchestration. In contrast, serverless functions do not require a runtime, are deployed to a fixed provisioning point, and have orchestration automatically managed.

Side-less UIs require no runtime, automatically orchestrate upon deployment, and can be published directly to a fixed point similar to serverless functions, simplifying the development process and integration into existing applications.

New functionality can be added by creating components or 'micro apps' and deploying them directly to a fixed point where they are automatically provisioned and integrated into the application without additional orchestration.

Development of microfrontends involves using command line tools like npm and IDEs like VS Code for coding and bundling, followed by deployment through a CICD pipeline or direct upload via a web interface for immediate integration.

The demo application is a Netflix clone that supports features like browsing movies and adding favorites. It demonstrates the integration of new functionality with existing components, showcasing real-time updates and full application functionality.

New front-end features, once developed and packaged, are uploaded to a service portal where they are automatically woven into the existing application structure, allowing for immediate live updates without downtime.

The main focus of Serverless for Front-ends is to reduce the scope of front-end development to focus almost exclusively on domain functionality, using patterns like microfrontends and serverless functions to streamline deployment and orchestration.