What Is Presentation Layer In Software Architecture
It is an important part of a modern software architecture, which lies between user interfaces – typically Web applications and services – and back-end systems. Presentation layer acts as a bridge between users and the services, business logic, and databases behind them. It provides an abstraction layer, allowing developers to hide the underlying complexity of the application logic, while presenting the user with a consistent experience using familiar paradigms and user interfaces.
What Does Presentation Layer Do?
The primary focus of presentation layer is to process incoming user requests, interpret them, and return a relevant response to the user. For instance, a user request to view a particular web page may be sent as a JSON request to the presentation layer. The presentation layer will interpret this request, convert it into appropriate query (in this case SQL), and return the required content back to the user. This way, the presentation layer serves as “the mediator between the user and the business logic behind the application”.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Presentation Layer?
There are several advantages of using a presentation layer in a software architecture. Firstly, it can improve the user experience by providing a more consistent and intuitive interface. For instance, a user may be presented with a grid view of a table instead of raw data, thus making it easier to understand the data. Secondly, it provides a layer of abstraction between the user and the underlying logic of the application, thus removing complexity and simplifying development. Thirdly, it can reduce the load on the back-end systems by caching data. Finally, it can help reduce the amount of code required to implement features, thus speeding up development time.
How Is the Presentation Layer Implemented?
The presentation layer is typically implemented as a web application or web service. Web applications are written in HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, and provide a user interface for interacting with the system. Web services are more backend-oriented, and provide an abstraction layer for the application logic, such as server-side business logic, databases, and other services. Some frameworks allow for the implementation of both web applications and web services within the same system.
What Are Some Common Technologies Used to Implement Presentation Layer?
The most common technology for implementing presentation layer is HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These languages can be used to create web applications and web services which can be used to interact with the system. Other popular technologies include frameworks such as Angular, React, Vue, and Node.js. There are also various libraries available which can be used to implement the presentation layer, such as Bootstrap and Material Design.
What Are Some Best Practices for Implementing Presentation Layer?
When implementing presentation layer, it is important to keep in mind some best practices. Firstly, it is important to structure the code in a way that is maintainable and extensible. Secondly, modularization of the code should be emphasized, as this can improve maintainability and extensibility. Thirdly, security should always be kept in mind, as malicious attacks can occur via the presentation layer. Finally, performance should also be kept in mind, as the application must respond quickly to user requests.
What Are the Tools Used to Test a Presentation Layer?
When testing a presentation layer it is important to use tools which can automate the process. Some popular tools for testing a presentation layer include Selenium, Jasmine, Cucumber, and Protractor. All of these tools allow for automated testing of the web application or web service, in addition to providing a way for manual testing. Testing should be done regularly to ensure the application is functioning correctly.
Conclusion
Presentation layer is an important part of a modern software architecture, providing an abstraction layer between user interfaces and back-end systems. It provides an improved user experience, simplifies development, and reduces load on the back-end systems. It is typically implemented as a web application or web service, and common technologies used include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various frameworks. It is important to keep in mind best practices when implementing presentation layer, and various tools can be used to test its functionality.
