Website Architecture: Understand different components

• 1: Monolithic: All-in-one websites
• 2: Distributed Architecture: Composable systems
• 3: Static: Simple file access
• 4: Provided: Supported systems
• 5: Serverless Architecture: Everything You Need to Know
• 6: Headless Architecture: Website Benefits

1 - Monolithic: All-in-one websites

Standout properties

What is monolithic architecture?

When it comes to web development, there are many different approaches you can take. One of the most popular methods is to use a monolithic architecture, which involves using a single artefact of server code that handles many tasks.

The benefit of using a monolithic architecture is that it creates an artefact that is easy to modify for an expert developer. Since everything is contained in a single codebase, it’s easier to understand how the application works and make changes as needed. This can be especially useful for larger projects where multiple developers are working on the same codebase.

Another advantage of using a monolithic architecture is that most solutions have a marketplace that allows users to easily add plugins from third-party users to extend the functionality of the application without writing custom code. These plugins can range from simple features like social media integration to more complex functionality like payment processing.

The ability to easily extend the functionality of the application through third-party plugins also serves as a great way to integrate the application with other applications. For example, you could use a plugin to integrate your web application with a popular CRM system or marketing automation platform.

Overall, while there are certainly other approaches to web development, the monolithic architecture remains a popular choice for many developers. Its ease of modification, marketplace for third-party plugins, and ability to integrate with other applications make it a versatile and powerful approach to building web applications.

2 - Distributed Architecture: Composable systems

In today’s world, distributed server architecture is becoming increasingly popular among businesses of all kinds. This architecture is designed to be scalable, secure, and cost-effective. It allows each service to be handled according to its own usage, thus being more efficient than the traditional monolithic architectures that run all the services within a single process.

All applications can use distributed server architecture, and even traditional WordPress applications that use extensions are actually calling out to a microservice. While approaches that have all application code contained within a single artefact enable easy development and marketplace distribution, those are not the only concerns present when developing any applications.

The traditional approach to adding extensions to a website would be to create an extension in a framework like WordPress. This sounds great, and you get an asset that you can use and resell. However, the extension you get is coupled to the framework it was designed for, making it challenging for other users to use it effectively.

A better way to use the agile process and create a better platform to resell any applications you produce is to create a microserver that handles your specific use case. This approach provides numerous benefits, including increased security and reusability.

In conclusion, distributed server architecture is an excellent choice for any business looking to create scalable, secure, and cost-effective applications. By using microservices, businesses can handle each service according to its own usage, making it more efficient and cost-effective. So, if you’re looking to develop applications that are scalable, secure, and cost-effective, then distributed server architecture is the way to go.

3 - Static: Simple file access

Using a static approach to host your website is a great method that is gaining popularity among developers. It is the simplest of the bunch and can still pack a huge deal of functionality. In fact, using a static approach can even be used for users with a traditional monolithic approach. 

All websites utilise static files or cache, but a static approach builds from a template only on a change to the data. While it is an old approach that was abandoned due to the invention of PHP and its ease of use with dynamic data, as software has been developed, it is very easy to make websites without a CMS, assuming you can get setup. Some newer CMSs can even act on static files and then deploy them, giving them the ability to handle dynamic data.

Static websites are websites that are made up of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files that are pre-built and served from a content delivery network (CDN). This means that the website is already created, and the server doesn’t need to generate any pages dynamically. Because of that, static websites can be served much faster and are more secure than dynamic websites.

Most static websites will still refer to distributed applications and can be thought of as one part of a distributed application, specifically the frontend. This means that even though the website itself is static, it can still communicate with other services to provide additional functionality.

Using a static approach to hosting your website also has other benefits. It is cheaper to host because you don’t need to pay for a server that can handle dynamic content. You can also use a static website to host your blog or other content that doesn’t change often.

When does the static approach work best?

Static websites are perfect for websites with content that does not change frequently. For instance, if you have a website that showcases 100 products and only adds one new product every week or so, a static approach can work wonders. Even if you need to update the stock level of the products, you can still work with microservices and add dynamic data without having to re-render the front-end.

The advantage of using a static approach is that you don’t have to worry about the server-side code or databases, which can be a significant burden in terms of maintenance, security, and scalability. By keeping the website static, you can ensure that the website loads faster, is more secure, and is cheaper to host. Additionally, by using a headless CMS, you can manage your content easily without having to modify the code files. 

Overall, if you have a website with content that does not change frequently, a static approach can be an excellent option to consider. It is simple, secure, and can help you save money on hosting fees while still providing the necessary functionality.

Since static content still sometimes needs to be modified, users may not want to edit the code files. The static architecture often fits in great with a headless CMS.

What is a headless CMS?

A headless CMS is a content management system that separates the back-end content management functionalities from the front-end presentation layer. In a headless CMS, the content is created and managed in the back-end, while the front-end layer can be built using any technology stack that meets the needs of the website or application.

This approach provides more flexibility and customisation options compared to traditional CMS solutions, which often have a fixed front-end presentation layer. With a headless CMS, you can use any front-end technology, such as React, Angular, or Vue, to build your website or application’s user interface.

The headless CMS is responsible for content creation, storage, and management. It provides a RESTful API that can be used to retrieve and manipulate content, which can then be integrated into the front-end using any technology stack. This approach enables a faster and more agile development process, as developers can work on the front-end and back-end independently.

Using a headless CMS has several benefits, including:

Easy content migration

Your frontend and content are also separated, just like your frontend and backend. This means that users of one headless CMS system may take their contents to another provider without changing any code. Its body just fits on another head. 

Increased Flexibility

With a headless CMS, you have the freedom to choose any front-end technology stack that suits your needs. This enables you to create a unique and customised user experience that aligns with your brand’s identity.

Backend flexibility

When a CMS is decoupled from the front end, there is often no need for a traditional backend system. Instead, the storage of the front end system may be used by the decoupled CMS without any extra infrastructure. This approach allows for greater flexibility in managing content, as it separates the content management functionality from the presentation layer. Additionally, it enables developers to use their preferred front end frameworks without being tied to a specific CMS.

Improved Security

A headless CMS can provide improved security as the content is managed in a separate environment from the front-end. This reduces the risk of security vulnerabilities and makes it easier to maintain and update your website or application. Often, no CMS backend infrastructure is needed at all. Users of an headless CMS may bootstrap from their existing front end storage. By leveraging external providers, there are zero backend security concerns. All dynamic data and integrations with applications like checkout are handled by third party software-as-a Service platforms.

Better Performance

By separating the front-end from the back-end, a headless CMS can provide better performance and faster page load times. This is because the server only needs to handle content management, while the front-end can be optimised for speed and performance.

What is a headless CMS?

When it comes to headless CMS, version control plays an important role in the development process. Version control systems like Git are typically used to keep track of changes in code and content. This allows developers to collaborate on projects, track changes, and revert to earlier versions if necessary.

In a version control based headless CMS, content is stored in a repository, just like code. Changes to the content are tracked, and multiple versions of the content can be created. This makes it easy to see who made changes, when they were made, and what was changed.

Git is the most popular version control system, and it is commonly used with headless CMSs. Git allows multiple developers to work on the same project and merge their changes together. It also makes it easy to reverse changes if something goes wrong.

However, it’s important to note that any version control software can be used with a headless CMS, or none at all. Some headless CMS provide their own version control system, while others allow users to integrate with third-party systems.

In any case, version control is an important aspect of headless CMS, as it allows developers to work collaboratively and keep track of changes. By using version control, developers can make sure that content is accurate and up-to-date, while also keeping the development process streamlined and efficient.

How does the static approach create cheap websites?

By removing a component, the server, from the picture, and using only storage, costs are reduced, and the files are already created in a format ready for distribution to a content delivery network.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a headless CMS is a modern approach to content management that provides increased flexibility, improved security, and better performance. By separating the front-end from the back-end, a headless CMS enables developers to build unique and customised user experiences that align with their brand’s identity.

4 - Provided: Supported systems

Standout properties

Are you planning to create a website for your business or personal use but don’t have the technical know-how to host it yourself? Website builders have got you covered! They offer a one-stop solution to create and host your website, using their own providers and solutions.

Once you sign up with a website builder, you can start building your website by choosing from a variety of templates, customising the design, and adding your content. Website builders typically have an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for anyone to create a professional-looking website without any coding knowledge.

The best part about using a website builder is that they take care of the hosting for you. You don’t need to worry about finding a hosting provider, paying for a domain, or configuring the server. The website builder will handle all of this for you, ensuring that your website is up and running smoothly.

Another advantage of using a website builder is that they offer a range of plans to suit your needs and budget. You can choose a basic plan if you’re just starting out or opt for a more advanced plan that includes additional features like e-commerce functionality, SEO tools, and more.

In conclusion, website builders are a great option for anyone who wants to create a website but doesn’t have the technical skills to host it themselves. With a website builder, you can focus on creating your website, paying the bills, and not worrying about anything else. So, go ahead and give it a try and see how easy it is to create your own website!

5 - Serverless Architecture: Everything You Need to Know

In recent years, there has been a relatively new approach to building and running applications that has become increasingly popular. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what serverless architecture is, how it works, and some of its key benefits and drawbacks.

Standout properties

What is serverless architecture?

At its core, serverless architecture is an approach to building and running applications that doesn’t require you to manage the underlying servers or infrastructure. Instead, you simply write and deploy code, and the cloud provider takes care of the rest.

The term “serverless” is a bit of a misnomer, as there are still servers involved in the process. However, the key difference with serverless architecture is that you don’t need to provision or manage those servers yourself.

How Does Serverless Architecture Work?

In a serverless architecture, your code is broken up into small, self-contained services that are designed to respond to a specific event. These services are then deployed to a cloud provider, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure.

When a user makes a request to your application, the cloud provider automatically spins up the necessary servers and runs the appropriate functions to handle the request. Once the request is complete, the cloud provider shuts down the servers, so you only pay for the time your code is actually running.

Benefits of Serverless Architecture

One of the biggest benefits of serverless architecture is that it allows you to focus on writing code and building applications, rather than managing servers and infrastructure. This can save a significant amount of time and resources, as you don’t need to worry about scaling, security, or other server-related tasks. Serverless architectures are not required to be run by external providers, if your costs are high, you can still consider moving to self-hosted systems.

Another benefit of serverless architecture is that it can help reduce costs, as you only pay for the time your computing is actually running. This can be particularly beneficial for applications with unpredictable traffic patterns or very little traffic, as you don’t need to pay for idle servers.

What Are the Drawbacks of Serverless Architecture?

While serverless architecture has many benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks. One potential issue is that serverless functions can be slower to start up than traditional server-based applications. This can be a problem for applications that require very low latency or need to handle high volumes of requests.

Another potential drawback of serverless architecture is that it can be more difficult to debug and troubleshoot issues, as you don’t have direct access to the underlying servers. This can make it harder to identify and fix problems when they occur.

But since the cost is high as you are renting your services, you are paying a markup on the utilities, which can become burdensome. This extra cost can compound as your expensive server stays online for the same amount of time as a regular server.

Since many of the existing providers are monopolies and their services are so easy to use that you can deploy applications in minutes, many people make the mistake of writing services that are coupled to the provider. Planning and implementing solutions that mitigate the problems inherited from your provider can be hard and costly.

Conclusion

Serverless architecture is a powerful new approach to building and running applications that offers many benefits, including reduced costs and increased developer productivity. While it’s not the right choice for every application, it’s definitely worth considering for projects with high variability or where the focus is on quickly delivering new features and functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider using a serverless architecture for my project?

Using a serverless architecture allows you to focus on building and deploying your application without the overhead of managing servers. This can lead to faster development cycles and lower operational costs.

How does a serverless architecture handle scalability?

Serverless architectures are designed to automatically scale based on demand. This means that your application can handle sudden spikes in traffic without any manual intervention.

Is security a concern with serverless architectures?

Serverless architectures can actually improve security by reducing the attack surface and eliminating the need to manage server security configurations. However, it is still important to follow best practices for securing your serverless applications.

Can I use serverless architecture for real-time applications?

Yes, serverless architectures are well-suited for real-time applications such as chat applications, IoT devices, and live streaming services. The scalability and event-driven nature of serverless architectures make them ideal for handling real-time data.

How does serverless architecture payment work?

Since serverless architecture is just a way to rent your infrastructure, payment works just as normal through a user interface that interacts with a serverless backend. The frontend can be served as static web pages or from a serverless server. Many methods exist to implement entire check layouts on your page without even doing any UI work. For example, checkout the Stripe embedded checkout.

How does serverless architecture handle background tasks?

Serverless architectures can easily handle background tasks by using services like AWS Lambda or Google Cloud Functions. These services allow you to run code in response to events, such as file uploads or database changes.

What programming languages are supported in a serverless architecture?

Most serverless platforms support a wide range of programming languages, including JavaScript, Python, Java, and Go. This flexibility allows you to choose the language that best fits your project requirements.

Can I use serverless architecture for data processing tasks?

Yes, serverless architectures are great for data processing tasks, such as ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) jobs, data analysis, and machine learning. Services like AWS Glue and Google Cloud Dataflow make it easy to process large amounts of data in a serverless manner.

How do monitoring and logging work in a serverless architecture?

Serverless platforms typically provide built-in monitoring and logging tools that allow you to track the performance and health of your functions. You can also integrate third-party monitoring tools for more advanced monitoring capabilities.

Are there any limitations to using a serverless architecture?

While serverless architectures offer many benefits, there are some limitations to consider. For example, there may be cold start latency issues with certain functions, and you may need to carefully manage dependencies to avoid performance issues.

How can I get started with building a serverless architecture?

To get started with building a serverless architecture, you can follow the documentation provided by your chosen cloud provider. You can also experiment with serverless frameworks like Google Firebase.

Related Links

6 - Headless Architecture: Website Benefits

Headless architecture is the go-to solution for designing a robust system. In a headless architecture, the front-end and back-end of an application are separated, allowing them to function independently.

Standout properties

Frequently Asked Questions

What is headless architecture?

Headless architecture separates the frontend and backend of a website using an agnostic format. Using a headless architecture, you may manage your text, articles, products, videos, and other data via an interface that is used with other systems. Often used to populate a website template or post blogs to social channels by using content management systems.

The front-end is built using a separate technology stack such as React, Angular, or Vue, while the back-end is built using a framework like Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails. 

This decoupling allows the front-end and back-end to be developed independently of each other, allowing for greater flexibility and agility in the development process. It also makes it easier to add new features to the application, as changes can be made to the front-end or back-end without affecting the rest of the application. 

Why is headless architecture important?

Headless architecture is an important strategy that offers multiple benefits. One of the key advantages of decoupling components is the ability to make independent updates and improvements without disrupting the entire system. This increases resilience and robustness, and allows for more efficient maintenance and development.

Another benefit of headless architecture is the ability to provide multiple channels of content from a single and reliable source of truth. This makes it easier to manage and distribute content across various platforms and channels, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

Headless architecture is suitable for a wide variety of business types, from small and medium-sized enterprises to large enterprises. It can also work seamlessly with other architecture types, like static website pages and distributed architecture, making it a versatile and efficient solution for modern businesses.

How does headless architecture improve website performance?

Headless code architecture has several advantages for both business and solution properties. Its codebase has an object structure that makes it easy to use multiple different renderers with faster loading times and better overall performance. This is usually achieved by prioritising rendering results before any content request. As a result, the user experience is more streamlined and efficient. One potential business benefit is the decoupling of migration and maintenance capabilities.

What are the drawbacks of headless architecture?

As headless architecture is a cutting-edge technology, its ecosystem is not yet as mature as other typical solutions. This immaturity, combined with constraints imposed on compatible systems, can cause a greater burden on some complex development features. Any features requiring a server now require individual services, which can be more complex to design, configure, develop, and price.

Can I still maintain a consistent brand identity with headless architecture?

Absolutely! With headless architecture, you have complete control over the design and content of your website. Headless systems often offer a limited feature set compared with targeted commercial products; this is due to the extra standards effort required in open source compatible systems. But any content produced by such systems can be tailored to your brand for any subscribing channel.

Is headless architecture suitable for e-commerce websites?

Yes, headless e-commerce is simply an e-commerce store created with headless software. It is ideal for e-commerce websites as it allows for seamless integration with various platforms and tools. You can easily manage product listings, inventory, and customer data without any limitations. While you can isolate parts of the software for better reuse and robustness,.

How does headless architecture support omnichannel marketing strategies?

Headless architecture enables you to deliver a consistent brand experience across multiple channels, including websites, mobile apps, and social media platforms. This flexibility allows the content to be published on any subscribing platform. Accomplished using web standards (RSS) or via more custom approaches like APIs.

Can I integrate third-party services and APIs with a headless architecture?

Yes, headless architecture makes it easy to integrate third-party services and APIs to enhance the functionality of your website. You can leverage a wide range of tools and services to optimise your website and provide a seamless user experience. As a headless system, you always have the option to change your frontend if your current platform does not support a feature.

How does headless architecture improve SEO performance?

Headless architecture allows for better SEO performance by enabling you to optimise your website for search engines. You can easily manage metadata, keywords, and other SEO elements to improve your website’s visibility and ranking in search results. Doing so from a single source of truth gives major results in terms of usability for administrators. Headless systems are often used with static webpage architecture, which results in faster loading times and improves SEO results. Moreover, having no coupling with the frontend allows for easier development of newer frontends using cutting edge HTML.

Is headless architecture secure and reliable?

Yes, headless architecture is secure and reliable as it separates the frontend and backend components of your website. This separation reduces the risk of security breaches and ensures that your website remains stable and functional at all times.

Can I easily scale my website with headless architecture?

Yes, headless architecture allows for easy scalability, as you can add new features and functionalities without affecting the overall performance of your website. You can easily expand each element of your system as it grows and evolves.

How can I get started with implementing headless architecture for my website?

To get started with headless architecture, you can consult with a professional web development team that can create your frontend and configure, or build, your server. They can help you assess your needs, create a customised solution, and implement the architecture seamlessly for your website. If your needs for your website are simple and you are creating a new website, try using a content management system like DecapCMS.

Headless Architecture vs. Serverless

Headless systems may be used within with a serverless approach; this would work for either more complex systems or simpler ones used with a static approach. With a complex solution, all the components would be included in the rented hardware. When using a simple static approach, static files may also be hosted by a provider.

Headless Architecture vs. Static Architecture

Headless architecture relates, in the context of the web, to creating software that can change without another part, like a content management system that can be used on many different websites. However, static architecture means to render your webpage results as static files, which can be served in a very simple and efficient manner.

Headless Architecture vs. Monolithic Architecture

Headless architecture attempts to improve on monolithic architecture in certain properties, foremost of which would be robustness, since solutions are more able to withstand some forms of change; however, since solutions are more complex, sometimes monolithic approaches can achieve quicker development speed when the components under development are closely related.

Headless Architecture vs. Distributed Architecture

The headless approach works great with a distributed approach, using many components to augment your website. This can even work without a backend server to handle requests, using static architecture, allowing very cheap websites with lots of complex functions.

Related Links