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  1. Stackups
  2. Application & Data
  3. Platform as a Service
  4. Realtime Backend API
  5. Backendless vs Firebase

Backendless vs Firebase

OverviewDecisionsComparisonAlternatives

Overview

Firebase
Firebase
Stacks42.5K
Followers36.0K
Votes2.0K
Backendless
Backendless
Stacks16
Followers74
Votes0

Backendless vs Firebase: What are the differences?

  1. Scalability: One key difference between Backendless and Firebase is their scalability. Backendless offers automatic scaling of applications, meaning that as the app usage increases, the backend infrastructure automatically adjusts to handle the load. It can handle high traffic and large data sets without requiring manual intervention. On the other hand, Firebase also supports automatic scaling, but it has some limitations when it comes to handling large data sets or high traffic applications. It may require additional configuration or manual intervention to handle scalability issues.

  2. Backend Development: Another difference between Backendless and Firebase is the level of control in backend development. Backendless allows developers to write server-side code in various programming languages, giving them more flexibility and control over the backend logic. It also provides features like custom business logic, API services, and event-driven serverless functions. In contrast, Firebase mainly focuses on serverless architecture, where developers write client-side code and use Firebase's pre-built services for backend functionality. It provides limited options for server-side customization and requires reliance on Firebase's backend services for most functionalities.

  3. Real-time Database: Firebase offers a real-time database as one of its core features. The real-time database allows developers to sync data in real-time across multiple clients and devices without writing complex server-side logic. It uses WebSockets to achieve real-time synchronization, providing instant updates and immediate responses to changes in data. In comparison, Backendless does not have a built-in real-time database feature. However, it supports real-time data integration through external APIs or services, which can be integrated into the app's backend logic.

  4. Data Storage: Backendless and Firebase have different approaches to data storage. Backendless provides a unified data storage solution that seamlessly handles structured data, unstructured data, and files. It includes features like data import/export, search capabilities, and fine-grained data permissions. Firebase, on the other hand, offers a NoSQL cloud database for storing and syncing structured data. It provides automatic offline synchronization and supports security rules for data access control. However, Firebase does not have native support for file storage and requires integration with other services for file storage functionality.

  5. Authentication and User Management: Backendless and Firebase have different approaches to authentication and user management. Backendless provides a comprehensive authentication system that supports multiple authentication methods like email/password, OAuth, and custom authentication providers. It includes features like user registration, login, password recovery, and roles/permissions management. Firebase also offers authentication services, but it primarily focuses on providing seamless authentication using popular social login providers like Google, Facebook, or Twitter. Firebase simplifies the authentication process but may have fewer customization options compared to Backendless.

  6. Analytics and Reporting: Firebase provides robust analytics and reporting capabilities as part of its platform. It allows developers to track user behavior, app usage, and conversion events. Firebase analytics provides real-time insights, user segmentation, and funnel analysis for understanding app performance. Backendless also offers analytics and reporting features, but it may have fewer advanced capabilities compared to Firebase. Backendless focuses more on providing backend services and developer tools rather than extensive analytics and reporting functionalities.

In Summary, Backendless offers automatic scalability, flexible backend development options, and a unified data storage solution, while Firebase focuses on serverless architecture, provides a real-time database, and specializes in authentication and user management. Backendless provides more control and customization options, while Firebase simplifies development with pre-built services and seamless authentication.

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Advice on Firebase, Backendless

Jared
Jared

Contractor at Insight Global

Aug 9, 2019

ReviewonFirebaseFirebase

I started using Firebase over 5 years ago because of the 'real-time' nature. I originally used to use Real Time Database, but now I use Cloud Firestore. I recommend using the Google Firebase PaaS to quickly develop or prototype small to enterprise level web/mobile applications. Since Google purchased Firebase, it has exploded and it growing rapidly. I also find some level of comfort that it is Backed by Google.

272k views272k
Comments
Noam
Noam

Jul 16, 2020

Needs adviceonNode.jsNode.jsExpressJSExpressJSReactReact

We are starting to work on a web-based platform aiming to connect artists (clients) and professional freelancers (service providers). In-app, timeline-based, real-time communication between users (& storing it), file transfers, and push notifications are essential core features. We are considering using Node.js, ExpressJS, React, MongoDB stack with Socket.IO & Apollo, or maybe using Real-Time Database and functionalities of Firebase.

1.15M views1.15M
Comments

Detailed Comparison

Firebase
Firebase
Backendless
Backendless

Firebase is a cloud service designed to power real-time, collaborative applications. Simply add the Firebase library to your application to gain access to a shared data structure; any changes you make to that data are automatically synchronized with the Firebase cloud and with other clients within milliseconds.

It is a development and runtime platform which simplifies and shortens mobile application development process. The platform removes the need to develop backend functionality by providing reusable server-side services via APIs. The APIs are packaged into native libraries available for all major client-side environments - Andoid, iOS, JavaScript, .NET, ActionScript and REST. The default backend logic can be modified with custom server-side code. The platform is available as an online service and a downloadable Enterprise product which can be deployed in any environment.

Add the Firebase library to your app and get access to a shared data structure. Any changes made to that data are automatically synchronized with the Firebase cloud and with other clients within milliseconds.;Firebase apps can be written entirely with client-side code, update in real-time out-of-the-box, interoperate well with existing services, scale automatically, and provide strong data security.;Data Accessibility- Data is stored as JSON in Firebase. Every piece of data has its own URL which can be used in Firebase's client libraries and as a REST endpoint. These URLs can also be entered into a browser to view the data and watch it update in real-time.;Real-time Synchronization- Firebase takes a new approach to the way data is moved around an app. Rather than using a traditional request & response model, it works by synchronizing data between devices. Whenever your data changes, all clients are immediately notified within milliseconds. The synchronized data is also persisted, allowing new clients to be immediately updated.;First-class Data Security- Traditional applications intermix security code with application code, whereas Firebase treats security as a first-class feature. You define your security policies in one place using a flexible rules language, and Firebase ensures that they are consistently enforced across all parts of your application. Having all your security logic in one place allows for easy auditing and helps you avoid security mistakes. The safety and security of your data is our top priority.;Automatic Scaling- The Firebase API is built from the ground up for performance and scale. Whenever your data changes, Firebase calculates the minimum set of updates required to keep all your clients in sync. In addition, all Firebase API functions are designed to scale linearly with the size of the data being synchronized. More importantly, Firebase handles all of the scaling and operations for you. Your app will scale from its first user to its first million without any code changes.;Servers are Optional- Firebase can provide all of the data storage, control, and transmission needs of most apps. In many cases, Firebase can completely replace your server and server-side code. This means you no longer need to build complicated backend software and can instead focus on your application logic and your customers.
Provides intuitive APIs for handling user registration, login and session management; Supports object persistence with complex hierarchies; Delivers push notifications to iOS, Android and Windows Phone devices; Handles publish subscribe message routing; Performs ultra fast geo queries; Generates client-side code to get developers to start coding faster; Backend logic can be modified with custom code; Includes in-depth analytics; Allows to export and import data;
Statistics
Stacks
42.5K
Stacks
16
Followers
36.0K
Followers
74
Votes
2.0K
Votes
0
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 371
    Realtime backend made easy
  • 270
    Fast and responsive
  • 242
    Easy setup
  • 215
    Real-time
  • 191
    JSON
Cons
  • 31
    Can become expensive
  • 16
    No open source, you depend on external company
  • 15
    Scalability is not infinite
  • 9
    Not Flexible Enough
  • 7
    Cant filter queries
No community feedback yet
Integrations
Trigger.io
Trigger.io
Famo.us
Famo.us
Backbone.js
Backbone.js
Ember.js
Ember.js
AngularJS
AngularJS
React
React
No integrations available

What are some alternatives to Firebase, Backendless?

Socket.IO

Socket.IO

It enables real-time bidirectional event-based communication. It works on every platform, browser or device, focusing equally on reliability and speed.

PubNub

PubNub

PubNub makes it easy for you to add real-time capabilities to your apps, without worrying about the infrastructure. Build apps that allow your users to engage in real-time across mobile, browser, desktop and server.

Pusher

Pusher

Pusher is the category leader in delightful APIs for app developers building communication and collaboration features.

SignalR

SignalR

SignalR allows bi-directional communication between server and client. Servers can now push content to connected clients instantly as it becomes available. SignalR supports Web Sockets, and falls back to other compatible techniques for older browsers. SignalR includes APIs for connection management (for instance, connect and disconnect events), grouping connections, and authorization.

Ably

Ably

Ably offers WebSockets, stream resume, history, presence, and managed third-party integrations to make it simple to build, extend, and deliver digital realtime experiences at scale.

Syncano

Syncano

Syncano is a backend platform to build powerful real-time apps more efficiently. Integrate with any API, minimize boilerplate code and control your data - all from one place.

NATS

NATS

Unlike traditional enterprise messaging systems, NATS has an always-on dial tone that does whatever it takes to remain available. This forms a great base for building modern, reliable, and scalable cloud and distributed systems.

SocketCluster

SocketCluster

SocketCluster is a fast, highly scalable HTTP + realtime server engine which lets you build multi-process realtime servers that make use of all CPU cores on a machine/instance. It removes the limitations of having to run your Node.js server as a single thread and makes your backend resilient by automatically recovering from worker crashes and aggregating errors into a central log.

deepstream.io

deepstream.io

Scalable Server for Realtime Web Apps with JSON structures that can be read, manipulated and listened to, messages that can be sent to one or more subscribers, and request response workflows, between two clients or servers.

8base

8base

A cloud service designed to power enterprise-grade web and mobile applications that require support for large numbers of users, complex data and transactional requirements, comprehensive role-based security and a modern look-and-feel.

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