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Firebase vs Gun: What are the differences?
Database Structure: Firebase uses a NoSQL database that allows for flexible and scalable data storage, while Gun uses a graph database that enables real-time syncing and query capabilities across connected devices.
Real-time Functionality: Firebase provides real-time data synchronization out of the box, making it suitable for applications requiring live updates, while Gun allows for real-time collaborative editing and syncing without the need for manual refreshing.
Authentication: Firebase offers built-in authentication methods like email/password, Google, Facebook, and more, making user management straightforward, whereas Gun allows developers to implement custom authentication logic tailored to their specific application needs.
Open Source: Gun is an open-source project, meaning developers can access and contribute to its codebase freely, while Firebase is a proprietary platform owned by Google, limiting the extent to which users can modify and customize its functionalities.
Syncing Capabilities: Firebase offers offline support and automatic syncing of data when the application goes back online, whereas Gun uses a decentralized architecture that allows for peer-to-peer syncing between devices without relying on a centralized server.
Querying and Filtering: Firebase provides powerful querying and filtering capabilities for NoSQL data, allowing developers to retrieve and manipulate data efficiently, while Gun's graph database structure simplifies relationships but may require additional logic to perform complex queries.
In Summary, Firebase and Gun differ in their database structure, real-time functionality, authentication methods, open-source availability, syncing capabilities, and querying capabilities.
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.
I would recommend looking hard into Firebase for this project, especially if you do not have dedicated full-stack or backend members on your team.
The real time database, as you mentioned, is a great option, but I would also look into Firestore. Similar to RTDB, it adds more functions and some cool methods as well. Also, another great thing about Firebase is you have easy access to storage and dead simple auth as well.
Node.js Express MongoDB Socket.IO and Apollo are great technologies as well, and may be the better option if you do not wish to cede as much control to third parties in your application.
Overall, I say if you wish to focus more time developing your React application instead of other parts of your stack, Firebase is a great way to do that.
Hello Noam 👋,
I suggest taking a look at Ably, it has all the realtime features you need and the platform is designed to guarantee critical functionality at scale.
Here is an in depth comparison between Ably and Firebase
Hey Noam,
I would recommend you to take a look into 8base. It has features you've requested, also relation database and GraphQL API which will help you to develop rapidly.
Thanks, Ilya
Pros of Firebase
- Realtime backend made easy371
- Fast and responsive270
- Easy setup242
- Real-time215
- JSON191
- Free134
- Backed by google128
- Angular adaptor83
- Reliable68
- Great customer support36
- Great documentation32
- Real-time synchronization25
- Mobile friendly21
- Rapid prototyping19
- Great security14
- Automatic scaling12
- Freakingly awesome11
- Super fast development8
- Angularfire is an amazing addition!8
- Chat8
- Firebase hosting6
- Built in user auth/oauth6
- Awesome next-gen backend6
- Ios adaptor6
- Speed of light4
- Very easy to use4
- Great3
- It's made development super fast3
- Brilliant for startups3
- Free hosting2
- Cloud functions2
- JS Offline and Sync suport2
- Low battery consumption2
- .net2
- The concurrent updates create a great experience2
- Push notification2
- I can quickly create static web apps with no backend2
- Great all-round functionality2
- Free authentication solution2
- Easy Reactjs integration1
- Google's support1
- Free SSL1
- CDN & cache out of the box1
- Easy to use1
- Large1
- Faster workflow1
- Serverless1
- Good Free Limits1
- Simple and easy1
Pros of Gun
- Open source0
- Small size0
- Real time0
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Cons of Firebase
- Can become expensive31
- No open source, you depend on external company16
- Scalability is not infinite15
- Not Flexible Enough9
- Cant filter queries7
- Very unstable server3
- No Relational Data3
- Too many errors2
- No offline sync2
Cons of Gun
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