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NX-Based Monorepo Workflow

Centralized pipeline with intelligent dependency management

Our current NX-based system handles multiple applications within a single monorepo, using intelligent dependency analysis to optimize builds and coordinate releases.

Architecture Overview​

Monorepo Structure​

  • Single Repository: All applications and shared libraries in one repo
  • NX Workspace: Dependency graph analysis and build optimization
  • Shared Pipeline: One workflow handles multiple applications
  • Coordinated Releases: Applications deploy together with synchronized versions

Key Components​

  • NX Engine: Analyzes affected code and optimizes build order
  • GitHub Actions: Executes the coordinated pipeline
  • Artifactory: Stores built artifacts and Docker images
  • Platform Repository: Manages deployment manifests
  • ArgoCD: Handles GitOps-based deployments

Workflow Deep Dive​

Main Branch Pipeline (5-20 minutes)​

Sequence Diagram: NX Monorepo Flow​

Click to enlarge

Execution Flow​

Click to enlarge

Performance Characteristics​

Build Optimization​

  • Dependency Analysis: NX only builds affected applications
  • Parallel Execution: Multiple apps can build simultaneously
  • Caching: Intelligent caching of unchanged components
  • Variable Duration: 5-20 minutes depending on changes

Pipeline Stages​

1. Dependency Analysis (30 seconds - 2 minutes)​

  • NX analyzes the dependency graph
  • Determines which applications are affected by changes
  • Plans optimal build order and parallelization

2. Build Phase (2-10 minutes)​

  • Builds only affected applications
  • Runs in parallel where dependencies allow
  • Leverages NX caching for unchanged components

3. Testing Phase (1-5 minutes)​

  • Executes test suites for affected applications
  • Runs integration tests across application boundaries
  • Archives test results for reporting

4. Packaging & Deployment (2-3 minutes)​

  • Builds Docker images for affected applications
  • Pushes to Artifactory with coordinated tags
  • Updates platform repository with new manifests
  • Triggers ArgoCD sync for deployment

Release Management​

Integrated Tag Cutting​

  • Automatic Tagging: Version tags applied during build process
  • Coordinated Versions: All applications get synchronized version numbers
  • Release Notes: Generated from commit messages and PR descriptions
  • Deployment Coordination: All services deploy together

Version Strategy​

v1.2.3-monorepo.2024.01.15
├── 1.2.3: Semantic version
├── monorepo: Architecture identifier  
└── 2024.01.15: Build date

Advantages​

Coordination Benefits​

  • Consistent Versions: All applications deploy with synchronized versions
  • Cross-App Testing: Integration tests across application boundaries
  • Shared Dependencies: Common libraries managed centrally
  • Atomic Releases: All changes deploy together or not at all

Development Benefits​

  • Code Sharing: Easy sharing of utilities and components
  • Unified Tooling: Same build tools and standards across all apps
  • Simplified Dependency Management: One package.json to rule them all
  • Team Coordination: Easier communication across application teams

Challenges​

Complexity Issues​

  • Build Complexity: Pipeline handles multiple different applications
  • Longer Feedback: No feature branch validation (feedback after merge)
  • Coupling: Changes to shared code affect multiple applications
  • Variable Performance: Build times depend on scope of changes

Coordination Overhead​

  • Release Coordination: All teams must align on release timing
  • Debugging Complexity: Failures can affect multiple applications
  • Scalability Limits: Pipeline complexity grows with application count

Best Practices​

Development Workflow​

  1. Feature Branches: Create feature branches for new work
  2. PR Reviews: Thorough review process before merging to main
  3. Main Branch: Keep main branch stable and deployable
  4. Communication: Coordinate with other teams before major changes

Performance Optimization​

  • Incremental Builds: Leverage NX caching effectively
  • Test Parallelization: Run tests in parallel where possible
  • Smart Dependencies: Minimize cross-application dependencies
  • Build Monitoring: Monitor pipeline performance and optimize bottlenecks

Release Management​

  • Release Planning: Coordinate releases across all affected teams
  • Rollback Strategy: Plan for rolling back coordinated deployments
  • Environment Promotion: Test in staging before production
  • Communication: Clear communication about release status

When to Use NX Workflow​

Ideal Scenarios​

  • Coordinated Releases: When applications need to deploy together
  • Shared Infrastructure: Heavy sharing of code and libraries
  • Small Team: Single team managing multiple related applications
  • Tight Integration: Applications have strong interdependencies

Team Structure​

  • Platform Team: Manages the monorepo infrastructure
  • Application Teams: Contribute to specific applications within the monorepo
  • DevOps Team: Maintains the unified pipeline and deployment process

📖 Related Guides​

This workflow is ideal for coordinated releases and teams that benefit from tight integration between applications.