Rails separate app or engine

Question

I have an app and I would like to build an admin management system for it that would be using the same database and probably even models. I want to keep it separate from an app but because I want to use share models between the two, I'm debating wether to use an engine or build a separate app?

One reason I'm more inclined towards a separate app is because I can deploy it separately without affecting the main app.

Any suggestions, opinions or experience?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I would definitely recommend engines. Spree E-commerce is a very good example of separating a single app into engines representing core, frontend and backend. And it is very clear and handy in support.

https://github.com/spree/spree