Backend for Frontend

Definitions

1. A pattern where each frontend client (web, mobile, TV) has its own dedicated backend service that aggregates, transforms, and tailors API responses for that specific client's needs. Prevents a single general-purpose API from becoming a compromise that serves no client well. Each BFF is owned by the frontend team.

   In plain English: A dedicated backend for each type of frontend (web, mobile), so each gets exactly the data it needs in the right format.

   Example: "The mobile BFF returns a compact payload with only the fields the app needs, while the web BFF includes full admin data -- each is optimized for its client."

Related Terms

• Webhook vs. Polling
• Event-Driven Architecture
• State Machine
• Strangler Fig Pattern
• Event Sourcing
• Hexagonal Architecture
• Idempotency Key
• API Gateway Pattern
• API Composition