Understanding the MACH architecture

Focused on agility, scalability and performance, MACH architecture offers many advantages. It is based on microservices, that is to say on a structure where components are developed independently from one another.

A MACH approach decouples the front-end and the back-end so they can be worked on separately. All features of the program are accessible via an API and leverage the capabilities of the cloud.

To better understand these technical aspects, we explain in detail what MACH architecture is.

What does MACH mean?

The acronym MACH literally stands for:

• M = Microservices based
• A = API-first
• C = Cloud native
• H = Headless

Let’s look at each of these technical aspects to define what MACH architecture is.

M for Microservices based

The term microservice refers to an architecture in which independent components are developed that fulfill a single function. In a MACH architecture, it is mainly the working method that is inspired by microservice design.

Indeed, this development method brings great flexibility to teams. Several projects can be worked on in parallel and deployed at the most relevant moment. The different components evolve while being maintained within their ecosystem.

A for API-first

Everything offered by the implemented solution must be available in API-first. All features must be accessible via an API to connect the different components with business applications or other tools used by the company.

This helps reduce dependency on the tools themselves. MACH architecture literally allows each of them to be connected or disconnected if necessary.

C for Cloud native

Cloud native refers to an architecture available in the cloud and that leverages all its capabilities. It is not just about storage and hosting, but truly about how the technology scales in this environment. It relies on technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes or Serverless.

A cloud-native solution gains in speed, scalability, responsiveness and flexibility.

H for Headless

This is the decoupling of front-end and back-end parts. It gives great freedom of design by working on each part completely independently. The focus is on the purpose of the implemented tool.

For example, a CMS (content management system) is not a tool that cares about how the content is presented, but only about how it is managed. Even though it is possible, with platforms like WordPress, this is not the purpose of the CMS. Its main role is to manage content.
Headless therefore implies the use of an API that enables interoperability between the different components. It provides adaptability to needs.

MACH and composable architecture: advantages and challenges
How does a MACH architecture work?

A single entry point for all business tools

A company uses multiple business applications. Beyond the CMS, CRM, ERP, PIM or SSO are often necessary. These applications each correspond to very specific needs. A particularly interesting element: these platforms increasingly offer APIs.

Your company has its own purpose and provides added value and customer interactions that deliver results. From a technical point of view, it is necessary to connect this purpose with these tools. This is what is called the backend for frontend. This software manages the connection with all these business tools via API, REST or others.

The backend for frontend system provides a single entry point for all applications. Via a cloud-native platform, it offers an API such as GraphQL. The goal is not to be too dependent on the tools in your IT system. The backend for frontend exposes all available data and allows it to be used as needed.

A powerful and resilient solution

MACH architecture makes it possible to :

• Rapidly deploy new features thanks to the use of Docker or Kubernetes.
• Work in parallel on front-end and back-end development.
  Set up caches for cold data. There is no need to call an API multiple times if the answer is already known.
• Control cache expiration with a hook system. A URL is configured in the tool, for example a CMS, to call a backend for frontend URL when an update is made. There is no need to wait for the cache to be refreshed, the information arrives in real time.

A concrete example of backend for frontend

Here is a practical case. A PIM software contains a database of CD records with the following data: artist, title, format, dates, tracks, SKU. The need is to link the PIM to the CMS that allows an editor to write reviews of the CDs in question.

MACH architecture enables a smoother and more scalable experience

Unlike a monolithic structure, MACH architecture allows different elements to be worked on independently, offering greater freedom. It is a DevOps approach that is fundamentally different from traditional web development. Thanks to this method, new features can be added quickly. It is a truly high-performing and resilient solution.