Microservices Benefits for Mobile App Dev & How to Implement It

Hundreds of enterprises across the world are ready to implement microservices architecture. There are many reasons to shift to microservices architecture, including a rise in the number of cross-functional teams and continuous deployment. 

The most cited reasons for implementing a microservices architecture are as under:

• Improved employee efficiency
• Improved customer experience
• Cost savings on infrastructure, and other development tools

Despite the many cited advantages, many entrepreneurs are still unaware of the benefits that microservices can bring about in mobile app development which will eventually help to scale the businesses and boost sales.

Read our blog “Developing Microapps using Microservices”.

In this blog, we attempt to provide some tips that would help start-ups and SMBs understand how microservices can positively impact revenue generation in their businesses. 

About Microservices

 Microservices is an architectural model used by developers to create individual smaller components for enterprise-grade applications.

The aim is to use these individual components to execute a single outcome. Each microservice is designed to perform one function. Microservices do not require you to upload the whole codebase as a single unit, unlike a monolithic software architecture model. 

Each microservice is independent of the other, are loosely coupled, and each can be independently deployed or modified without compromising the quality of the whole application. This also facilitates rapid deployment and improves development efficiency. 

Large multinationals like Netflix, Amazon, and Uber use the microservices model and have become leaders in market innovation. 

Microservices in Mobile App Development: When to Use?

You can think of using microservices in mobile app development under the following conditions:

• You are developing your mobile app from scratch
• You are rebuilding your current legacy app using application modernization techniques
• You are looking to add a new functionality/feature to an existing app
• You want to increase database storage to accommodate bulk app features and new services

Steps for Successful Microservices Implementation in Mobile App Development

To get the best results in implementing microservices in mobile app development (Android/iPhone), you can use the following steps as guidelines. 

1: Before actually implementing the microservices approach, ensure that your mobile app development will benefit by leveraging this architecture model. Not all development exercises will benefit from using microservices. 

2: Before you start the implementation, it is vital to check and analyze your existing infrastructure. Also, identify the features you want to integrate into the mobile app, if you are building it from scratch.

3: Onboard an app development team with developers experienced in microservices implementation. Ensure that the developers have an understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

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4: Be clear about the entire tech stack your team is going to use, including the app development languages (for iOS and Android) and their frameworks.

5: Set up the base architecture for the application at hand with containers, services, and virtual machine templates.

6: Implement an API gateway because it forms the main entry point for the app users.

7: The next important step is for the team to deploy common and non-functional requirements at the gateway level.

8: The developers then monitor and map the monitoring for the app.

9: After developing the app, it is important to perform the different automation tests to make sure that the app is 100% error-free and runs smoothly.

10: Clear any issues that you encounter and once this is done, launch the app.

Benefits of Microservices in Mobile App Development

In microservices architecture, discrete parts representing functions work together. This loosely coupled model makes it easier to build and maintain the app. The most significant advantages of using microservices in mobile app development are listed below.

1: Increases Agility and Productivity by Reducing the writing Codebases

Each of the services is independent of the other and functions differently and this gives the development teams the freedom to use any language and framework that best suits the application.

Read our blog “Microservices Architecture & Scalable Modern Applications”.

This model reduces the requirement for writing additional codebases and this improves developers’ productivity levels. The app can be easily maintained as it consists of smaller manageable mobile app development services. The development teams are different for each service, are independent, and can launch the app faster.

2: It is Easier to Deploy the App

By implementing the microservices architecture, it is possible to write, test, and deploy the mobile app quickly by getting continuous and regular feedback on the development process. With the development team following a continuous delivery (CD) model, every team member collaborates for the smooth deployment of the app.

3: Microservices Require Less Maintenance

Each of the microservices has its own database. With such a model, there is less risk of introducing errors during the development of the mobile application. The code units are smaller and easier to maintain. Therefore you can implement changes whenever required. App maintenance costs are less and you need fewer additional resources. Your team would be able to fix any errors without affecting the overall performance of the app.

4: Microservices Model improves Isolation of Faults

In the traditional monolithic architecture, if one component fails, the complete application has to be brought down. In the case of a microservices architecture model, the developers can easily identify the issues and quickly resolve them without compromising the overall performance of the application. 

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