Framework-first

Framework-first is an architectural and software development approach that prioritizes establishing a robust underlying structure or framework before implementing specific functionalities. It emphasizes building a solid foundation, like a skeletal structure, upon which all subsequent features and components are then constructed. This methodology allows developers to create consistent, scalable, and maintainable systems, reducing technical debt and increasing development speed in the long run by encouraging modularity and code reusability. This approach focuses on establishing the underlying architecture first, then adding components.

Framework-first meaning with examples

• A web development team opted for a framework-first strategy when building a complex e-commerce platform. They began with a well-established framework (e.g., React, Angular, or Vue.js), implementing core functionalities like routing, state management, and data fetching before delving into specific product listings or shopping cart features. This ensured a scalable, consistent, and maintainable application structure, resulting in reduced bugs and faster feature releases. The underlying structure gave them flexibility later.
• When designing a new mobile application, the development team adopted a framework-first approach using Flutter. They first defined the application's architecture, including UI components, navigation flow, and data handling mechanisms. Following the defined framework allowed them to build reusable widgets, manage application state efficiently, and provide a consistent user experience across different devices. This approach streamlined development and reduced the risk of architectural issues.
• A game development company employed a framework-first method, selecting Unity as their game engine of choice. They focused on establishing the game's physics, rendering pipeline, and input controls before adding level design and gameplay mechanics. This foundational framework ensured a solid performance baseline and allowed the team to prototype, test, and iterate on gameplay features more quickly. Adopting this framework saved time and resources.
• In developing a cloud-based service, engineers began with a framework-first design using serverless architecture. They established the API gateway, authentication mechanisms, and database interactions as the primary framework. This approach allowed them to build individual functions (e.g., user authentication, data processing) and deploy them independently. This streamlined development, improved scalability, and simplified updates to the platform later on. The established structure allowed flexibility.
• A financial technology startup utilized a framework-first strategy to construct their core banking system, leveraging a microservices architecture. They began by setting up the infrastructure for service discovery, inter-service communication, and data storage. These frameworks allowed the team to develop individual services for transactions, account management, and reporting independently. This approach facilitated faster iterations, simpler deployment, and improved resilience, reducing system downtime and building agility into the structure.