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Firebase vs Phoenix Framework vs Socket.IO: What are the differences?
Backend Infrastructure: Firebase is a Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform that provides multiple services like real-time database, authentication, cloud messaging, etc., while Phoenix Framework and Socket.IO are frameworks and libraries for building real-time web applications. Phoenix Framework is built on top of Elixir, offering speed and scalability, whereas Socket.IO is a WebSocket library for real-time web applications development.
Scalability and Customization: Firebase offers scalability out of the box with no server-side configuration needed, making it suitable for small to medium-sized applications. On the other hand, Phoenix Framework allows more customization and control over the backend, making it a better choice for larger and more complex applications. Socket.IO, being a library, provides flexibility in integrating real-time features into existing applications.
Programming Languages: Firebase primarily supports JavaScript for building applications, whereas Phoenix Framework uses Elixir, a functional programming language that runs on the Erlang VM, providing fault-tolerance and concurrency features. Socket.IO, being a JavaScript library, is compatible with various programming languages on the backend.
Real-time Capabilities: Firebase is known for its real-time database feature, allowing instant updates across all clients when data changes. Phoenix Framework, coupled with channels, offers similar real-time capabilities, providing bidirectional communication between the server and clients. Socket.IO, being a WebSocket library, enables real-time, event-based communication between the server and the browser.
Community and Documentation: Firebase has a large community with extensive documentation and support from Google, making it easy to get started and troubleshoot issues. Phoenix Framework, though not as extensive as Firebase's community, has a growing community of Elixir developers and comprehensive documentation. Socket.IO, being a widely adopted library, benefits from a large community and vast resources for developers.
In Summary, Firebase, Phoenix Framework, and Socket.IO differ in terms of backend infrastructure, scalability, programming languages, real-time capabilities, and community support. Each offers unique features catering to different needs in building real-time web applications.
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 Phoenix Framework
- High performance120
- Super fast76
- Rapid development70
- Open source62
- Erlang VM60
- Well designed46
- Channels45
- Easily Scalable39
- Very extensible35
- Restful35
- Functional Programming11
- Inspired by Rails10
- Great community10
- Beautiful code8
- Ecto8
- Scalable6
- Fault tolerant6
- LiveView feature5
- Elegant4
- Insanely fast and easy4
- Feels like working with rails framework with more power4
- Built-in websocket support3
- Benevolent dictator that decides project course3
- Great integration with GraphQL3
- 2
- Front-End Agnostic2
- Functional approach1
Pros of Socket.IO
- Real-time219
- Node.js143
- Event-based communication141
- Open source102
- WebSockets102
- Binary streaming26
- No internet dependency21
- Large community10
- Push notification6
- Ease of access and setup5
- Test1
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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 Phoenix Framework
- No jobs6
- Very difficult5
Cons of Socket.IO
- Bad documentation12
- Githubs that complement it are mostly deprecated4
- Doesn't work on React Native3
- Small community2
- Websocket Errors2
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