I have been exploring Single Page Applications and noticed many examples, particularly with Symfony2 and AngularJS, where the frontend and backend are integrated, often using Twig for views. I was under the impression that developing the frontend and backend as separate entities, communicating via an API, is not only viable but also a standard approach. This separation would allow for seamless changes in the PHP framework without impacting the overall system as long as the API remains intact. Can anyone share best practices for achieving this setup? A practical example or resource link would be highly appreciated.
That’s an intresting approach, Liam27! 
Have you explored how adopting modern frameworks like React or Vue.js might enhance this separation? It allows the frontend to be more dynamic. Also curious if anyone here has experience using GraphQL instead of REST for such architecture? Would love to hear more thoughts!
you’re spot on, Liam27, separating frontend as a standalone SPA can be very productive! using tools like Next.js with React or Nuxt for Vue can offer server-side rendering too, enhancing performance. just ensure your API is well documented for smooth integration with the backend! happy coding 
The Problem:
You’re a junior developer building Blazor applications, struggling with the upfront design and architecture before diving into code. You need resources to learn about software system design, database schema creation, and architectural planning, specifically focusing on class diagrams, system design patterns, and UML modeling. Most online courses focus on project management rather than these technical design aspects.
Understanding the “Why” (The Root Cause):
Proper software design is crucial for building maintainable, scalable, and robust applications. Jumping straight into coding without a well-defined architecture often leads to spaghetti code, tight coupling, and difficulties in adding new features or making changes later. Understanding design patterns and using UML diagrams helps you visualize the structure of your application, identify potential issues early on, and create a cleaner, more understandable codebase. This reduces development time in the long run and improves collaboration, even if you’re working solo.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Learn UML and Class Diagrams:
Start by mastering Unified Modeling Language (UML) and its use in creating class diagrams. These diagrams visually represent the classes, attributes, and methods in your application. Many online resources provide excellent introductions to UML; search for “UML for beginners” or “creating class diagrams”. Focus on understanding the notation and how to model different relationships between classes (e.g., inheritance, composition, aggregation).
Step 2: Explore System Design Patterns:
Once you’re comfortable with UML, delve into system design patterns. These are reusable solutions to commonly occurring problems in software design. Learn about patterns like MVC (Model-View-Controller), MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel), microservices, and others relevant to web applications. Understanding these patterns will guide your architecture choices and lead to better-structured applications. Look for resources on “software design patterns” or “design patterns in Blazor.”
Step 3: Practice with Sample Projects:
The best way to learn is by doing. Start with small, well-defined projects. Design the architecture first using UML, implement it in Blazor, and then reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Gradually increase the complexity of your projects, applying the design patterns you’ve learned.
Step 4: Consider Dedicated Courses:
While many online courses focus on project management, some do delve into software architecture. Search for courses specifically titled “Software Architecture,” “System Design,” or “Advanced Software Design Principles.” These might be more focused on the technical design aspects you need. Look for courses that use practical examples and hands-on exercises.
Common Pitfalls & What to Check Next:
- Over-engineering: Avoid creating overly complex designs for simple applications. Strive for simplicity and clarity.
- Ignoring database design: Don’t neglect the design of your database schema. Poor database design can severely impact your application’s performance. Learn about database normalization techniques.
- Lack of documentation: Always document your design decisions. This helps you understand your code later and facilitates collaboration.
Still running into issues? Share your (sanitized) code examples, your database schema design, and any other relevant details. The community is here to help!