DEV Community

Cover image for Backend-for-Frontend (BFF) in 2025: Still Relevant or Outdated?
Abdul Rehman Khan
Abdul Rehman Khan

Posted on • Originally published at devtechinsights.com

Backend-for-Frontend (BFF) in 2025: Still Relevant or Outdated?

#bffarchitecture #backendforfrontend #webdev #apidesign

Backend-for-Frontend (BFF) in 2025: Still Relevant or Outdated?

For more than a decade, developers have debated whether Backend-for-Frontend (BFF) is the right approach to serving multiple clients (web, mobile, IoT) from one system. With modern tools like GraphQL, API gateways, and microservices, some argue BFF is no longer necessary.

So, do we still need BFF in 2025? Let’s break it down from a developer’s perspective.

What is Backend-for-Frontend (BFF)?

At its core, BFF is a dedicated backend layer for each client type:

  • Web frontend → Web-specific backend
  • Mobile frontend → Mobile-specific backend
  • IoT/frontend → IoT-specific backend

Instead of one “catch-all” API, each frontend gets a tailored data contract.

Think of it like having different waiters for different sections of a restaurant — each knows the unique needs of their customers.

Why Developers Still Use BFF in 2025

Despite the rise of GraphQL and API gateways, BFF still solves real-world issues:

  • Performance optimization – Mobile apps on limited networks need smaller payloads than desktop web apps.
  • Reduced over-fetching – Each BFF endpoint delivers exactly what the client needs.
  • Frontend autonomy – Teams can evolve features independently without breaking shared APIs.
  • Security buffer – Sensitive logic (payments, user tokens) can live in the BFF instead of the client.
  • Personalization – Different platforms can serve personalized responses efficiently.

Challenges and Trade-offs

BFF isn’t a silver bullet. Common developer complaints include:

  • Multiple codebases – More backends mean more maintenance.
  • Latency risks – An extra network hop adds overhead if poorly designed.
  • Duplicated logic – Easy to repeat business rules across BFF layers.

The key is deciding whether the benefits outweigh the operational complexity.

Developer Perspectives (Community Insights)

From 2024–2025 discussions on Reddit, Dev.to, and Hacker News, developers are split:

  • “BFF stopped API wars between our web and mobile teams.”
  • “We ended up with four different backends — the maintenance is painful.”
  • “If you’re a startup, skip it. If you’re at scale, it’s worth it.”

The general consensus: BFF is less about technology, more about workflow management.

My Perspective as a Developer

Having built apps with and without BFF, here’s my view:

  • For MVPs or early-stage apps → too much complexity.
  • For multi-platform scale (web + mobile + smart devices) → BFF can be a game changer.
  • It keeps frontend teams fast and reduces conflicts over API shape.

I also see AI-driven apps making BFF more relevant — each client needs unique personalization that a single API often can’t deliver efficiently.

When to Use BFF in 2025 (Checklist)

✅ Use BFF if…

  • You have multiple client types (web, mobile, IoT).
  • Performance and payload size matter for UX.
  • Teams need autonomy without breaking each other’s contracts.

❌ Avoid BFF if…

  • You’re building a single client app.
  • Your team is small and maintenance overhead would slow you down.
  • API gateways or GraphQL already solve your main issues.

Final Thoughts

Is BFF outdated? No.

Is it always required? Also no.

BFF remains a practical tool in the modern architecture toolbox. Use it when your platform complexity demands it — skip it if you’re small and lean.

Read the Full Deep Dive

This was a condensed version. For a 2000+ word, in-depth article (with developer and community perspectives), check out the complete post on Dev Tech Insights.

Top comments (0)