Which Backend Should You Choose for Scalable Apps?
Compare different backend technologies and find the perfect fit for your scalable application needs.
Read MoreBuilding scalable apps often means combining the best of both frontend and backend technologies. Recently, I worked on a project where I connected React (frontend) with a .NET API (backend)and MySQL (database). While the stack worked great overall, I faced some challenges along the way that taught me important lessons.
The Challenges I Faced
When working across frontend and backend, there are always hidden hurdles. For me, the biggest challenges were:
1. API Response Handling
Sometimes, the API response wasn't in the format I expected, which caused bugs on the frontend. If responses weren't validated properly, the UI would break in unexpected ways.
2. Async/Await Bugs
Handling asynchronous calls between React and .NET required careful attention. Forgetting an awaitor mishandling promises would create inconsistent data rendering or race conditions.
3. Error Messages for Users
Often, the backend would return technical errors. Without proper handling, these surfaced directly to users—which wasn't a great experience.
My 3 Key Lessons
Here's what I learned that made a big difference in both performance and user experience:
Validate API responses first
Never assume the API will always return perfect data. Add checks before using it in your components.
Use async/await properly
Ensure every async call is handled with proper await usage and error-catching mechanisms.
Keep error messages user-friendly
Translate backend errors into simple, actionable messages that make sense to end users.
Why These Lessons Matter
These small but crucial practices helped me:
- Reduce unexpected UI crashes
- Improve app performance
- Deliver a smoother and more reliable experience for users
When building scalable apps, it's not just about writing more features—it's about ensuring the frontend and backend communicate smoothly.
Over to You
What's your #1 tip for smooth frontend-backend integration?
Share your thoughts—I'd love to learn from your experience too!