MVC is a frequently used industry-standard pattern, no matter the developer’s programming language. Get to know all the benefits and drawbacks of using the MVC during application development.

What is MVC?

MVC stands for Model-View-Controller, and it is a methodology, an architectural pattern, or a software architecture design used in the software or application development process. MVC divides an application into three main components: Model, View, and Controller, where each of them handles specific responsibilities.

Model-View-Controller was traditionally used for desktop graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Today MVC is a common choice for developers during their work on the design of web, mobile, or desktop applications. Many programming languages, like Java, C#, Ruby, PHP, and integrated development environments support MVC architecture.

Levels of Model-View-Controller architecture

There are three interconnected parts of MVC: the model (data model), the view (user interface), and the controller (request handler). MVC pattern organizes the system architecture by separating crucial parts like input, processing, and output.

In MVC application development, the controller accepts all application requests and advises the model to prepare any data requested by the view. The view brings the final visual output using the data produced by the controller.

Model View Controller (MVC) Architecture

Model

Model is responsible for data management, including data storage, processing, and business logic. Model is considered the lowest level of MVC pattern.

View

The view is a visual representation of the data. It displays the model data to the user, including windows or buttons, by generating the UI. View level receives requests from the user and sends user actions to the controller.

Controller

Controller is the main component of MVC architecture, and it connects Model and View as a request handler. The controller accepts inputs and provides necessary updates.


What are the benefits of using MVC?

Organizes large-size web applications

Because the code is separated into three components, it’s much easier to divide and arrange web application functionality into large-scale apps. The main benefit of implementing the MVC pattern is that it makes it easier to locate certain code sections and add new functionality quickly.

Easy planning and maintenance

The MVC pattern is helpful during the application’s early design phase since it gives the developer a blueprint on how to turn their thoughts into code. It’s also a great way to reduce code duplication and simplify application maintenance.

Easily modifiable

MVC allows adding and updating new views, never impacting the overall architecture. This improves the application’s flexibility and scalability.

Facilitates multiple views

Developing different view components for your model component is accessible with an MVC framework. It allows you to create several view components, reducing code duplication by separating data and business logic.

Faster development process

When developing web applications using the MVC architecture, one developer can work on one area (for example, the view) while another works on a different section (for example, the controller). The application created with an MVC framework may be completed faster without using any patterns. 

Support for Asynchronous Method Invocation (AMI)

Because the MVC pattern is compatible with JavaScript and its frameworks, it’s no surprise that it also supports Asynchronous Method Invocation (AMI). AMI allows developers to create web applications that load faster. MVC applications can function with PDF files, site-specific browsers, and desktop widgets.

MVC returns the data without formatting

The data returned to the view is not formatted in any way by an MVC framework, which allows developers to use whatever technology they want to represent that data.

MVC supports test-driven development (TDD)

The MVC pattern significantly simplifies the testing process. Multiple layers are logically specified and appropriately stated in the program, making it easier to debug large-scale systems. As a result, writing unit tests for an application is a breeze.

SEO-friendly development platform

The MVC supports the development of SEO-friendly web applications and web pages. MVC makes it simple to create SEO-friendly URLs for a particular application to increase traffic.

Are there any disadvantages of the MVC pattern?

There are a few disadvantages of MVC architecture:

  • the complexity in code navigation (with all updates, the structure becomes more complex),
  • the cost of frequent changes and updates,
  • MVC pattern can be hard to understand due to the complexity and updates,
  • MVC must have strict rules over methods (appropriate reactions from Controller),
  • developers need to know multiple technologies in order to understand and use MVC.

Model-View-Controller is a solid structure

The MVC pattern is an excellent method for developing software applications. MVC frameworks are simple due to the numerous benefits, including organizing code and managing multiple views. As a consequence of efficiency, IT projects designed using the MVC approach can be developed for less money and in less time.

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