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Firebase vs MongoDB Stitch: What are the differences?
Introduction
In the world of backend development, Firebase and MongoDB Stitch are two popular choices for building scalable and efficient applications. Both offer a range of features and functionality, but there are key differences between them that developers need to consider before choosing the right platform for their project.
Real-time data sync: Firebase excels in real-time data sync capabilities, making it easy for developers to build applications that can instantly reflect changes in the database. On the other hand, while MongoDB Stitch also supports real-time updates, it requires more effort from developers to implement.
Data structuring and querying: In Firebase, the database is structured as a JSON tree, making it straightforward to query and retrieve data. In contrast, MongoDB Stitch uses a more flexible document-based structure, allowing for complex queries and relationships between data.
Serverless functions: Both Firebase and MongoDB Stitch support serverless functions, allowing developers to run code without managing servers. However, Firebase provides a more integrated solution with Google Cloud Functions, while MongoDB Stitch offers more flexibility in deploying functions.
Authentication and user management: Firebase offers a robust authentication system out of the box, supporting various authentication methods such as email/password, Google, Facebook, and more. MongoDB Stitch also provides authentication capabilities but might require more customization for complex use cases.
Scalability and pricing: Firebase, being a fully managed platform by Google, offers easy scalability options and a pay-as-you-go pricing model. MongoDB Stitch, while scalable, might require more manual intervention for optimization and cost management.
Supported languages and platforms: Firebase supports a wide range of programming languages and platforms, making it easier to integrate with different technologies. MongoDB Stitch, on the other hand, is more focused on JavaScript and MongoDB integrations, limiting its compatibility with other languages and databases.
In Summary, Firebase excels in real-time data sync and ease of use, while MongoDB Stitch offers more flexibility in data structuring and querying, requiring more developer effort for customization and optimization.
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 MongoDB Stitch
- Static Hosting2
- Serverless1
- Best integration with MongoDB (Atlas)1
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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