Firebase Database Development
Firebase is a Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) application development platform that provides hosted back-end services such as live database, cloud storage, authentication, crash reporting, machine learning, remote configuration and hosting for your static files.
Firebase services – what is the use of the platform?
It turns out that the list of this BaaS (Backend as a Service) solution is quite extensive.
Real time database
If I were to name one reason why you should build your application using Firebase, this is it.
Developers typically have to make HTTP calls to get new data and keep it in sync. This is how most databases work. The real-time database is so called because it allows real-time data to be instantly synchronized with all connected clients. It sends new data to everyone as soon as it is updated, which is of great importance in the application development process.
This cloud-hosted database stores data as one large JSON tree, and instead of connecting to it using the standard HTTP protocol, you do it via WebSocket, which is much faster. What’s more, it can work offline! The database caches data in the device’s memory, and when the Internet connection is restored, the data is immediately synchronized.
Firebase phone authentication
The tool provides an easy way to control access to your data. It has its own authentication system that allows you to access the application using a one-time code sent to the user’s phone number. This can be done via SMS as well as third party authentication methods such as Google, Facebook, as well as Github and Microsoft. To have even more control, you can write your own security rules to access the application.
Firebase Auth makes it easy to create and manage users … for free! This service is available for Android and iOS, and you can receive up to 10,000 free messages per month.
Storage
Firebase provides cloud storage that allows you to easily store and upload custom content, including photos or videos. This way you can include some attractive content in the application. It saves files to Google Cloud Storage directly from the client. The tool also has the ability to write security rules to protect content. It’s also one of the free Firebase services!
Hosting
The list of Firebase services also includes hosting.
Firebase Hosting provides an SSL certificate and has a built-in CDN that can be used to accelerate data transfers across continents. This allows you to view and test your changes locally. If you need to share your work with other members of your team, you can simply create shared temporary URLs to preview your site. The hosting also offers GitHub integration.
Privacy and security
Is everything beautiful and safe? It should be. Cloud service providers must follow many strict rules in order to be able to sell their services. Think so. Firebase is owned by Google. Such a company must have de facto privileges to ensure that all data is completely safe and protected from any hostile activity.
Why is it better to use Firebase in preparation for scaling
All Firebase services are designed to scale and grow with your application. As more and more users use your product, Firebase makes it easy to grow cloud capacity without major issues or complications. And when your audience grows unexpectedly fast, it really saves lives. It is more than a database. Services are all you need to create a great product.
Of course it is not for everyone
We say it again – Firebase services, while great, cannot live up to all expectations. When your product is complex enough or requires even more advanced security, the platform won’t be enough. But this is a good start!
Whether you want to speed time to market or optimize IT maintenance costs, you can easily do it with Firebase.
Achieve results faster with a cloud backend!
If you need support or need a dedicated server solution – check out our cloud services!