Navigating the Complexity of Corporate Software Development: A Journey Through Frameworks

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of software development, managing complexity within large organizations can be daunting. With numerous departments, projects, and teams, how do you ensure consistency and efficiency? Enter the corporate framework—a solution designed to streamline processes and unify development efforts across the board.

This article delves into the creation of platform solutions from multiple perspectives, including management, design, architecture, and development. To provide a comprehensive view, we’ll intersperse insights from real team members who have been instrumental in this journey.

Why a Corporate Framework?

In a large organization, the diversity of projects and teams often leads to fragmented development efforts. A corporate framework serves as a unifying force, offering:

  • Consistency: Standardizes design and development practices across teams.
  • Efficiency: Reduces redundant efforts by providing reusable components.
  • Scalability: Supports the growth and evolution of projects over time.

The Journey Begins

Our journey began with a simple question: Why React? While Angular offers an all-in-one solution, React’s flexibility and popularity made it the preferred choice. We also considered Vue, but ultimately, React’s adaptability won us over.

Initially, there was no framework or design system. Teams were creating their own components, leading to inconsistencies. Our goal was to:

  • Unify the appearance of web applications
  • Create a single architecture for web applications
  • Minimize the workload for development teams
  • Ensure a seamless user experience across different applications

Building the Framework

Fast forward to today, and our framework is a robust ecosystem comprising several key components:

  • UI Kit: A library of basic components like buttons and input fields, designed to be customizable and adaptable.
  • UI Blocks: Higher-order components built from the UI Kit, such as employee cards and navigation panels.
  • Guides: Comprehensive documentation detailing UX patterns and best practices.
  • Pixso: A design tool for creating component libraries and mockups, serving as an alternative to Figma.
  • Constructor: A web-based interface builder for assembling screens and pages from UI Blocks.

Strategies for Success

To manage uncertainty and complexity, we employed several strategies:

  • Strategy Pattern: Allows for flexible authentication methods, such as OAuth2 or biometric strategies.
  • Multi-Level APIs: Provides different levels of abstraction, from basic tables to advanced grids, catering to various user needs.

Microfrontends: A Modular Approach

For large systems with multiple mini-applications, microfrontends offer a modular solution. Our container application manages these mini-apps, providing shared services like authentication and navigation.

Deployment and DevOps

Automated deployment is crucial for maintaining up-to-date demo environments. We use Drone for continuous integration and deployment, ensuring that our demos are always fresh and accessible.

Design System: The Backbone of Consistency

Our design system is integral to the framework, ensuring that components are tested in real applications. This approach prevents the creation of «museum pieces»—beautiful but impractical components.

Conclusion

Creating a corporate framework is not for the faint-hearted. It requires a clear vision, strategic planning, and a willingness to embrace complexity. However, for organizations with multiple teams and long-term projects, a well-designed framework can be a game-changer, providing a solid foundation for innovation and growth.

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Embrace the uncertainty, find beauty in the mundane, and may your development journey be as rewarding as it is challenging. Happy coding!