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Apache Tomcat vs Firebase: What are the differences?
Scalability: Apache Tomcat is a lightweight web server and servlet container, suitable for smaller applications or development environments. Firebase, on the other hand, is a cloud-based platform that provides a wide range of services for building and scaling web and mobile applications. Firebase offers automatic scaling and load balancing, making it more suitable for handling large applications with high traffic volumes.
Data Storage: Apache Tomcat does not provide a built-in database or storage system. It relies on external databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL for data storage. Firebase, on the other hand, includes a real-time NoSQL database called Firestore, which allows developers to store and sync data easily. Firebase also provides additional storage options like Cloud Storage for storing files and images.
Authentication and User Management: Apache Tomcat does not offer built-in authentication or user management features. Developers need to implement these features themselves or integrate third-party libraries. Firebase, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive authentication system with support for email/password authentication, social login, and more. Firebase also includes user management features like user roles and permissions.
Real-time Communication: Apache Tomcat does not natively support real-time communication between clients and servers. Developers need to implement technologies like WebSockets or long-polling for real-time updates. Firebase, on the other hand, offers a real-time database and real-time messaging capabilities through Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM). This allows developers to easily build real-time chat, collaboration, and notification features.
Serverless Functions: Apache Tomcat does not provide a serverless computing platform. Firebase, on the other hand, includes Firebase Cloud Functions, which allows developers to write and deploy serverless functions that run in response to events. This enables developers to extend their applications with server-side logic without managing server infrastructure.
Analytics and Performance Monitoring: Apache Tomcat does not include built-in analytics or performance monitoring features. Firebase, on the other hand, provides Firebase Analytics for tracking user engagement and behavior. It also includes Firebase Performance Monitoring, which helps developers understand and optimize the performance of their applications.
In Summary, Apache Tomcat is a lightweight web server and servlet container, while Firebase is a comprehensive cloud-based platform that offers scalability, built-in data storage, authentication, real-time communication, serverless functions, and analytics features.
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
I was in a situation where I have to configure 40 RHEL servers 20 each for Apache HTTP Server and Tomcat server. My task was to 1. configure LVM with required logical volumes, format and mount for HTTP and Tomcat servers accordingly. 2. Install apache and tomcat. 3. Generate and apply selfsigned certs to http server. 4. Modify default ports on Tomcat to different ports. 5. Create users on RHEL for application support team. 6. other administrative tasks like, start, stop and restart HTTP and Tomcat services.
I have utilized the power of ansible for all these tasks, which made it easy and manageable.
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 Apache Tomcat
- Easy79
- Java72
- Popular49
- Spring web1
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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 Apache Tomcat
- Blocking - each http request block a thread3
- Easy to set up2
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