perframework

Perframework is a software design approach that structures an application as a collection of independent, feature-centric frameworks, or per-frameworks. Each per-framework encapsulates the data, logic, and presentation required for a discrete capability, such as authentication, reporting, or messaging. The term is used in discussions of modular architectures but is not a universally standardized specification.

Overview

A per-framework emphasizes separation of concerns by isolating a feature’s concerns into its own module. This isolation supports independent development, testing, and deployment, while aiming to preserve a cohesive overall application.

Architecture and design principles

Per-frameworks are designed to be self-contained units that expose explicit interfaces for communication with other parts of the system. Communication between frameworks can occur through a shared event bus, well-defined APIs, or a lightweight orchestration layer. Dependencies are declared per framework, enabling clear boundaries and more predictable composition. An orchestration component coordinates feature activation, data flow, and cross-cutting concerns such as security or logging.

Use cases and benefits

The approach is well-suited to large, feature-rich applications where multiple teams own different capabilities. Benefits include improved modularity, easier testing of individual features, simpler feature swapping or updates, and potential for independent deployment. It can also support gradual refactoring of monolithic systems into a more pluggable structure.

Limitations and challenges

Perframeworks introduce coordination overhead, especially for cross-cutting concerns and unified user experience. Complexity in wiring dependencies, version management, and performance considerations can arise. Adoption typically requires strong interface discipline and governance to maintain consistency across frameworks.

Relation to related concepts

Perframeworks share goals with micro-frontends, plugin architectures, and modular monolith approaches, but focus specifically on isolating features into distinct frameworks rather than solely on deployment boundaries or runtime extensibility.