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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Pouchdb
- Offline cache2
- JSON1
- Very fast1
- Free1
- Repication1
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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 Pouchdb
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