The first thing we must understand before talking about the benefits of a Decoupled Architecture is understanding its definition. According to an article by Whatis.com, Decoupled Architecture is “… a framework for complex work that allows components to remain completely autonomous and unaware of each other. Cloud computing is sometimes said to have a decoupled architecture because the cloud provider manages the physical infrastructure, but not the applications or data hosted on it.”
Here are a Few Key Benefits Of A Decoupled Architecture:
Speedy Development and Testing
The biggest advantage is that Decoupled Architecture allows the frontend and backend developers to work independently. Since development is carried out in parallel, it reduces the overall project time. Business teams usually take a keen interest in the progress of the UI/UX part of the project resulting in faster frontend rollout. This helps the backend developers with the creation of data structures suitable for the frontend. The Decoupled Architecture allows the project teams to test their builds independently at the same time, further optimizing the project duration.
Agility
Another benefit, the UI team can make suitable changes to the frontend designs without worrying about dependencies and/or making corresponding changes to the backend. In the same fashion, the backend developers can modify their code without venturing into the frontend territory. For instance, the backend developers do not have to consider exactly how a particular data point is going to be displayed on the screen (and vice versa). This improves an organization’s operational efficiency enabling it to respond to changing market needs with greater agility.
Decoupled Architecture allows the frontend and backend developers to work independently
Freedom For Developers
As the application’s backend and frontend components are loosely coupled with the careful use of APIs, it minimizes the overall complexity of the architecture. The reduced complexity allows developers to freely make changes to the code, thus, increasing the update-release frequency.
Streamlined Recruitment
Traditionally, the application development projects required the frontend developers to possess a good understanding of the backend systems and components such as the core programming language, middleware, and business logic. However, a Decoupled Architecture allows the front-end developers to be able to focus on their core skills most effectively. The HR department finds it easier to hire specialists in single domains rather than identifying candidates with multi-domain expertise.
While application decoupling offers many such benefits, it may also increase the overall human resource count. As the two parts are developed and tested independently, it introduces a few redundancies in the development and testing processes. The CIO’s team may, therefore, need to carry out a due diligence process assessing the organization’s specific business and technology needs before choosing a suitable architectural approach.
