Liquid Application Framework
Introduction
The Liquid Application Framework is a sophisticated tool designed to streamline the development of cloud-native microservices, meaning it helps developers create applications that work seamlessly in the cloud. It was launched in a new major version in April 2021 and is managed by Avanade, a leader in digital and cloud services within the Microsoft ecosystem. This framework is particularly beneficial because it allows developers to focus more on building their applications' unique business functionalities rather than worrying about the underlying cloud technology.
Core Features
One of Liquid's standout features is its ability to support multiple cloud providers, such as Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. This means developers can write code that operates efficiently across different cloud platforms without being tied to any specific provider. Additionally, the framework offers a directed programming model, providing a structured approach for app development. This saves time and lets developers concentrate on business logic rather than architecture concerns.
Key Components
The framework offers a range of components that enhance its functionality, each serving a specific purpose:
- Liquid.Core: Mandatory for the framework's operation, essential for any development using Liquid.
- Liquid.Domain: Desirable for supporting domain-driven design.
- Liquid.Repository, Liquid.Cache, Liquid.Messaging, Liquid.WebApi.Http: These are optional components that expand Liquid's capabilities, such as data management, caching, and messaging.
Getting Started
To get started with Liquid, developers can use pre-designed templates for creating microservices, which can be easily installed using the dotnet CLI command. These templates help quickly set up projects for various needs, such as WebAPI CRUD solutions, Domain handlers, and WorkerService solutions.
For example, to create a WebAPI solution with CRUD functionalities, developers can execute a straightforward command to set up a project template. They then proceed with development by following instructions embedded within the generated code.
Contribution and Community
The Liquid Application Framework encourages community involvement. Users can contribute by testing the framework, filing issues, providing feedback, or directly contributing code through pull requests. The project maintains a Contributor Covenant to ensure an inclusive and productive environment for all contributors.
Additional Resources
For those interested in exploring previous versions or related projects, various repositories are available, including Liquid.Core, Liquid.Domain, Liquid.Repository, and more. These repositories contain past iterations and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the framework's evolution.
About Avanade
Avanade stands out as a provider of innovative digital and cloud advisory services, focusing on solutions that leverage the Microsoft ecosystem. Through projects like the Liquid Application Framework, Avanade demonstrates its commitment to enhancing digital experiences and driving efficient application development.