Backend for Frontend (BFF)
Last Updated: June 8, 2026
13 min read
An API Gateway gives all external clients one front door, but different clients often need different APIs.
A desktop app, mobile app, and partner integration may need different fields, response shapes, and round trips. A single general API can become awkward for all of them.
The Backend for Frontend pattern gives each client type its own backend tailored to its needs.
This chapter covers why client needs diverge, BFF ownership, BFFs versus API gateways, and avoiding duplicated business logic.