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Firebase vs Hasura: What are the differences?
Introduction:
Firebase and Hasura are both popular backend as a service (BaaS) platforms that offer various features for building and managing applications. However, they differ in several key aspects, making them suitable for different use cases.
Real-time Database vs Instant GraphQL API: Firebase provides a real-time database that synchronizes data across all devices in real time, making it ideal for applications that require instant updates. On the other hand, Hasura offers an instant GraphQL API that simplifies data fetching and manipulation, making it easier to work with complex data structures and queries.
Authentication Methods: Firebase offers built-in authentication methods such as email/password, Google, Facebook, etc., making it convenient for developers to implement user authentication. In contrast, Hasura relies on external services like Auth0 or Firebase Authentication for user authentication, providing more flexibility but requiring additional setup.
Serverless Functions: Firebase allows developers to write serverless functions using Cloud Functions, enabling them to run custom backend code without managing servers. Hasura, on the other hand, does not provide serverless functions out-of-the-box, which may require developers to set up a separate serverless platform for custom backend logic.
Real-time Subscription Support: Firebase supports real-time data synchronization through its real-time database, enabling developers to subscribe to changes in data. Hasura, on the other hand, offers real-time subscription support through GraphQL subscriptions, allowing developers to receive real-time updates when specific events occur.
Data Storage and Querying: Firebase provides a NoSQL database for storing data, which may be more suitable for applications with flexible data structures. In contrast, Hasura uses PostgreSQL as its database, offering powerful relational querying capabilities that are beneficial for applications with complex data relationships.
Deployment and Scaling: Firebase provides built-in solutions for deployment and scaling, making it easier for developers to deploy their applications globally and handle increased traffic. Hasura, on the other hand, may require more manual configuration and setup for deployment and scaling, especially for larger applications with high performance requirements.
In Summary, Firebase offers a real-time database, built-in authentication, and serverless functions, while Hasura provides an instant GraphQL API, real-time subscriptions, and powerful relational 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 Hasura
- Fast23
- Easy GraphQL subscriptions18
- Easy setup of relationships and permissions16
- Automatically generates your GraphQL schema15
- Minimal learning curve15
- No back-end code required13
- Works with new and existing databases13
- Instant production ready GraphQL12
- Great UX11
- Low usage of resources4
- Simple4
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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 Hasura
- Cumbersome validations3