Parse vs Parse-Server: What are the differences?

Introduction: Parse is a cloud-based platform that allows developers to build and manage mobile applications, providing tools and services for tasks such as database management, user authentication, push notifications, and more. Parse-Server is an open-source version of Parse that can be self-hosted, giving developers more control over their applications.

1. Parse vs Parse-Server: Database Management One key difference between Parse and Parse-Server is the database management. Parse uses a NoSQL document-oriented database, which allows for flexibility and scalability. On the other hand, Parse-Server supports multiple databases, including MongoDB and PostgreSQL, offering developers the option to choose the database that best suits their needs.

2. Parse vs Parse-Server: Hosting Options Parse relies on the Parse.com platform, which means that developers need to use Parse.com for hosting their applications. In contrast, Parse-Server can be self-hosted, giving developers more autonomy and control over the hosting environment. This allows for better customization and scalability options.

3. Parse vs Parse-Server: Open Source Parse-Server is an open-source project, which means that developers can contribute to its development and have access to the source code. This provides greater transparency and flexibility, as developers can modify and customize the platform according to their specific requirements. Parse, on the other hand, is not open-source and does not offer the same level of customization.

4. Parse vs Parse-Server: Community Support As an open-source project, Parse-Server benefits from a larger community of developers who actively contribute to its development and offer support. This results in a more active and vibrant community, where developers can find resources, ask questions, and collaborate. Parse, being a proprietary platform, does not have the same level of community support.

5. Parse vs Parse-Server: Licensing and Pricing Parse is a proprietary platform with specific licensing and pricing models provided by Parse.com. This means that developers need to adhere to the terms and pricing set by Parse.com. In contrast, Parse-Server does not have any licensing or pricing restrictions, allowing developers to use it freely and openly.

6. Parse vs Parse-Server: Backend Compatibility Parse-Server is designed to be highly compatible with the original Parse platform. This means that developers who are already using Parse can migrate their applications seamlessly to Parse-Server without major modifications. This compatibility ensures a smooth transition and offers developers a path forward without significant disruption.

In Summary, Parse and Parse-Server differ in various aspects such as database management, hosting options, open source nature, community support, licensing and pricing, and backend compatibility. While Parse offers a fully managed cloud platform, Parse-Server provides more flexibility and control over the development process.