The MVC framework is a predictable software design pattern separated into three main components and suitable for many programming languages. The goal of the MVC framework is to help structure the code-base and separate application concerns into three components: View, Model, and Controller.

Understanding the MVC framework

The MVC framework was developed in response to the changing nature of web development.

Traditionally, projects simply involved uploading static CSS, HTML, and JavaScript files to a HTTP server. But with the growing popularity of software-as-a-service (SaaS), applications once destined for the desktop are being incorporated into browsers.

In many cases, these applications are large and complex. JavaScript alone cannot be relied upon to provide a stable foundation for quality code. 

The MVC framework encourages developers to write more structured JavaScript code through design patterns. 

From humble beginnings in desktop graphical user interfaces, the framework has become popular in web and mobile app development. The MVC framework can support high user interaction and real-time server communication with maintainable and testable code.

The three components of the MVC framework

The goal of the MVC framework is to help structure the code-base and separate application concerns into three components:

1. View – or the presentation of data collected from model data in the form of charts, tables, or diagrams. This includes any customer view of the user interface and its components such as drop-down menus or text boxes.
2. Model – or data used by a program. This is often in the form of a database but can also represent an object, icon, or video game character.
3. Controller – the part of the application handling user interaction in the form of mouse and keyboard inputs. The controller accepts inputs from views and models to provide a corresponding update. A controller can update the model of a video game character by changing an attribute such as endurance. The view is then updated to reflect the change in the endurance attribute during gameplay.

When should the MVC framework be used?

As stated, the MVC framework should be used for any application where JavaScript will struggle to do the heavy lifting on the client-side. 

If a business wants to build an application with a focus on the server-side, then the MVC framework is probably unsuitable.

Nevertheless, certain criteria can help developers determine whether the framework is suited to their project.

These criteria encompass applications that:

• Require an asynchronous connection to the backend.
• Shouldn’t require full page reload functionality, such as adding post comments or infinite scrolling.
• Render the same data in different ways.
• Contain numerous trivial interactions that modify data, such as switches or buttons.
• View or manipulate data within the browser itself, and not on the server.

As a reference point, consider that many popular web applications such as Google Docs, Gmail, and Spotify fulfill all the above criteria.

Key takeaways

• The MVC framework is a software design pattern incorporating three core components: view, model, and controller. Each component handles a specific development aspect of an application.
• The MVC framework is used in large and complex applications where JavaScript on the client-side cannot provide a foundation for stable, quality code.
• To determine whether the MVC framework is suitable for their build, businesses can consult a list of criteria common to popular web applications such as Google Docs and Spotify.

Main Guides:

• Business Models
• Business Strategy
• Business Development
• Distribution Channels
• Marketing Strategy
• Platform Business Models
• Network Effects

Main Case Studies:

• Amazon Business Model
• Apple Mission Statement
• Nike Mission Statement
• Amazon Mission Statement
• Apple Distribution

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