Firebase is Google’s cloud platform for mobile and web development. It helps developers build, improve, and scale mobile apps. The platform offers tools that can greatly simplify workflows: a hine learning suite, hosting, a real-time database, etc. Firebase is well-suited for creating an MVP, as it reduces the time and effort needed for developers.
This platform’s primary goal is to solve three problems for app developers:
Firebase allows developers to focus on the quality of the product instead of external issues that inevitably come with developing an application. The platform’s flexibility makes it possible to develop apps for all mobile operating systems.
Firebase stores text data in JSON format and provides convenient methods for reading, updating, and retrieving it. Firebase can also be used for user registration and authorization as well as storage of sessions (authorized users) and media files that can be accessed through Cloud Storage.
Firebase is shareware. Many basic functions (such as registration, authorization, and text storage) are available to everyone after registration in the system. For those who want advanced functionality, the Blaze Plan offers separate payment for each service.
1. Free Access
Firebase’s Spark plan is totally free and includes 10 GB of hosting, an SSL certificate, multiple sites, a custom domain, and a few other offers. It includes many useful services like Firebase ML, Realtime Database, Cloud Firestore and Test Lab.
2. Google Support
Firebase has well-written technical documentation that makes working with services easier and more accessible. All information regarding integration, availability, and supported technologies is quick and easy to find.
3. Easy Integration
The platform’s ready-made APIs allow for adding new features with just a few clicks. This means that even a user with no technical knowledge can work with Firebase.
4. Two Databases
Firebase includes two databases: Cloud Firestore and Realtime Database. Cloud Firestore is part of the Firebase mobile app development platform and is a NoSQL cloud database for storing and syncing data. It supports various programming languages such as Unity, C++, Java, and Node.js SDK, in addition to REST API and RPC.
Firebase’s Realtime Database is also housed in the cloud. It facilitates JSON-based data storage and performs real-time data synchronization with connected clients.
5. High-Speed Development
Developers only have to focus on the frontend of an app, while Firebase handles the rest. Plus, no additional server is needed.
1. Made for Android
Firebase does not provide the same experience for Android and iOS apps. Android receives the majority of dedicated services and features. For example, Test Lab easily integrates with Android studio and supports a wide range of Android devices for testing. The iOS operating system has closed beta support for its devices, but only includes a very basic set of tests.
2. Closed Source Code
Access to the platform’s source code is closed, making it difficult to create modifications. Full functionality requires a Google Cloud account.
3. Only works with a NoSQL Database
Data in Firebase is stored as a set of documents with no outline.
4. Not available in all countries
Developers in China, and North Korea cannot work with Firebase.
5. No Flexibility
The storage and data management systems in Firebase are not as flexible as in other database systems. For example, the platform does not support triggers, impressions, or indexes.
6. Several features are pay-only
The basic version can be used by developers for free, but its functionality is often lacking. The price for a paid plan is determined using a special calculator. Payments can be made monthly, annually, or by project.
Firebase is certified to basic privacy and security standards. All of the platform’s services (except App Indexing) have successfully passed the ISO 27001 and SOC 1, SOC 2 and SOC 3 assessment processes, and some have also passed the ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 certification processes.
The Firebase Realtime security rules govern who has permission to read and write to the database, how the data is structured, and which indexes there are. These rules are hosted on Firebase servers and applied automatically at any time. By default, the rules do not allow anyone to access the database in order to secure it until the developer has configured their rules or authentication.
Authentication is the process of identifying an app’s users. Firebase includes support for common authentication methods like Google and Facebook, as well as email and password login, anonymous login, and more.
Firebase’s Realtime Database provides a complete set of tools for managing application security. These tools make it easy to authenticate users, protect user rights, and verify input.