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Firebase vs Pouchdb: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this analysis, we will discuss the key differences between Firebase and Pouchdb, two popular NoSQL databases often used for storing data in web applications.

  1. Data Synchronization: Firebase offers real-time data synchronization out of the box, allowing multiple clients to receive instant updates when changes are made to the database. PouchDB, on the other hand, requires additional plugins or custom implementations to achieve real-time sync between clients.

  2. Authentication: Firebase provides built-in authentication services, including email/password, OAuth, and custom token-based authentication, simplifying the process of securing user data. PouchDB does not have built-in authentication functionality and requires developers to implement their own authentication mechanisms.

  3. Data Storage Limits: Firebase imposes certain limits on data storage, including maximum document size, total storage capacity, and read/write operations per second. PouchDB, being a local database, does not have predefined storage limits but is bound by the device's storage capacity.

  4. Offline Support: PouchDB is designed to work seamlessly offline, allowing users to access and modify data locally even when there is no internet connection. Firebase, while offering offline support through the Firebase SDK, requires additional setup and configuration to enable full offline functionality.

  5. Querying and Indexing: Firebase's querying capabilities are limited compared to PouchDB, which supports complex queries, indexing, and map-reduce functions for efficient data retrieval and manipulation. PouchDB's querying features make it a more versatile choice for applications that require advanced data querying.

  6. Pricing Model: Firebase follows a usage-based pricing model, where costs increase with data storage, network bandwidth, and API calls. PouchDB, being open-source and self-hosted, does not incur any direct costs but may require additional resources for maintenance and infrastructure management.

In Summary, Firebase excels in real-time data synchronization and built-in authentication, while PouchDB stands out for its offline capabilities, advanced querying options, and cost-effective self-hosting.

Advice on Firebase and Pouchdb
Needs advice
on
ApolloApolloFirebaseFirebase
and
Socket.IOSocket.IO

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.

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Replies (3)
Timothy Malstead
Junior Full Stack Developer at Freelance · | 7 upvotes · 483.5K views
Recommends
on
FirebaseFirebase

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.

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Recommends
on
AblyAbly

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

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Recommends
on
8base8base

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

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Pros of Firebase
Pros of Pouchdb
  • 371
    Realtime backend made easy
  • 270
    Fast and responsive
  • 242
    Easy setup
  • 215
    Real-time
  • 191
    JSON
  • 134
    Free
  • 128
    Backed by google
  • 83
    Angular adaptor
  • 68
    Reliable
  • 36
    Great customer support
  • 32
    Great documentation
  • 25
    Real-time synchronization
  • 21
    Mobile friendly
  • 19
    Rapid prototyping
  • 14
    Great security
  • 12
    Automatic scaling
  • 11
    Freakingly awesome
  • 8
    Super fast development
  • 8
    Angularfire is an amazing addition!
  • 8
    Chat
  • 6
    Firebase hosting
  • 6
    Built in user auth/oauth
  • 6
    Awesome next-gen backend
  • 6
    Ios adaptor
  • 4
    Speed of light
  • 4
    Very easy to use
  • 3
    Great
  • 3
    It's made development super fast
  • 3
    Brilliant for startups
  • 2
    Free hosting
  • 2
    Cloud functions
  • 2
    JS Offline and Sync suport
  • 2
    Low battery consumption
  • 2
    .net
  • 2
    The concurrent updates create a great experience
  • 2
    Push notification
  • 2
    I can quickly create static web apps with no backend
  • 2
    Great all-round functionality
  • 2
    Free authentication solution
  • 1
    Easy Reactjs integration
  • 1
    Google's support
  • 1
    Free SSL
  • 1
    CDN & cache out of the box
  • 1
    Easy to use
  • 1
    Large
  • 1
    Faster workflow
  • 1
    Serverless
  • 1
    Good Free Limits
  • 1
    Simple and easy
  • 2
    Offline cache
  • 1
    JSON
  • 1
    Very fast
  • 1
    Free
  • 1
    Repication

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Cons of Firebase
Cons of Pouchdb
  • 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
  • 3
    Very unstable server
  • 3
    No Relational Data
  • 2
    Too many errors
  • 2
    No offline sync
    Be the first to leave a con

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    - No public GitHub repository available -

    What is Firebase?

    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.

    What is Pouchdb?

    PouchDB enables applications to store data locally while offline, then synchronize it with CouchDB and compatible servers when the application is back online, keeping the user's data in sync no matter where they next login.

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    What companies use Firebase?
    What companies use Pouchdb?
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