Firebase vs Backendless

Developers who are on the lookout for streamlining application backend development will come across many MBaaS platforms, which can be confusing.

In this article, dive into two of the most talked-about backend platforms – Firebase by Google, and Backendless. Both of them are popular service providers offering you benefits like real-time messaging, file, user, and data management. So, which is the best alternative for your project? Let’s take a look.

Key Takeaways

  • Firebase is Google’s app development platform
  • Backendless is a no code visual app builder
  • Firebase has two NoSQL databases:
    • The Realtime Database data is stored as JSON objects
    • Cloud Firestore is a document-oriented database
  • Backendless provides graphical interface, SQL-driven search and relations.

What is Firebase?

Firebase is a Google-developed backend platform that is used to build web and mobile applications. It was established in 2011 as an independent company, and the search engine giant Google bought it in 2014, making it their flagship app development company today.

This cloud-hosted database stores data as JSON, which is synced to all connected clients in real-time. It is great for collaborating with other users and also doesn’t require servers to build apps.

When it first started, Firebase was called Envolve; it offered the users an API that facilitated integrating the online chat feature into their websites. However, its founders, Lee and Tamplin discovered that the chat was misused to share app data, and built Firebase separately, which they released in April 2012.

Firebase core features

You get a host of important features to help you in every stage of your development process.

  • Authentication: Enjoy secure logins as it tracks and identifies every user who logs in and out of the app.
  • Real-time database: Firebase offers Firestore, which is flexible for web, mobile, and server development. Even without an Internet connection, your data is synced across the app.
  • Cloud storage: It stores photos, videos, and other user-generated content into its cloud storage. You are free to download, upload, and share the file directly from the cloud.
  • Dynamic links: If the app is installed, dynamic links enable a tailored experience throughout every platform. In case it isn’t installed, you will be directed to the online store to install it.

Firebase advantages

It is one of the world’s most preferred choices for launching new apps. It is user-friendly and provides you with almost everything you need to develop an app.

  • Simple hosting: With Firebase, hosting apps is now easier than ever. It lets you deliver web apps as well as static content to a CDN efficiently with a single command. You can easily send both simple application landing pages or complex Progressive Web app with the help of its custom domain support, global CDN, and auto-provisioned SSL certificate.
  • Storage: Developers can now store and share all kinds of user-generated stuff like photos, videos, and sounds irrespective of the network. You also get reliable downloads for its document transfers and applications. Since Google is already a trusted Cloud service provider, expect affordable and secure services with Firebase.

To know more about the benefits of Firebase, please read the article Advantages of Firebase.

What is Backendless?

Backendless is a visual app development platform making building and managing applications intuitive without any knowledge of coding.

Its APIs are brilliantly crafted for all kinds of developers. Whether you have years of experience or you’re just starting, this serverless platform aims at making app development as systematic and easy-to-use as possible.

It is codeless and offers API service solutions for both your web and mobile application building. One of its most regarded features is its ability to automatically generate APIs for your application. Backendless empowers users to run services on their servers.

Take advantage of its debugging, data modeling, deployment management, source control, and mobile development, all in one place. This software makes individuals and companies masters of application development in no time.

Backendless core features

It comes with a wide variety of features right out of the box.

  • Database: Use a SQL-driven search, graphical browser, and relations to manage your data schema and security.
  • Cloud code: Personalize your app for your business with 3 Cloud Code formats – Cloud Code Timers, API Events Handlers, and API Services.
  • Caching: Accelerate your app’s backend by keeping your data temporarily on its server with its cross-platform data caching API.
  • Real-time data: You can work in real-time in the Cloud Code and Console. Send and receive alerts depending on certain criteria, and keep the data updated across platforms.
  • Codeless: You don’t need to know coding to create backend logic and APIs visually. Also, develop and test Codeless logic in the Console before releasing and reusing them.

Backendless advantages

Backendless lets you leverage different benefits. Take a look at some of the perks that make it one of the most demanded platforms.

  • As software, it allows you ease of use throughout the process of backend app development.
  • An integral service it offers is automatically generated APIs, which aren’t only easy to use and manage, but also extend based on the app’s requirements.
  • It brings you attractive and efficient management and analytics tool.
  • You receive prompt support. Even if you are looking for technical support services, you will find that Backendless’ is swift and successful

Firebase vs Backendless Comparison

FirebaseBackendless
DescriptionGoogle’s app development platform.Visual app development platform
Founded20102012
PricingFree
Pay as you go
Free
$25/mo
$99/mo
DatabaseNoSQLNoSQL (SQL Search + Relations)
RealtimeYesYes
Cloud HostingYesYes
Self-HostingNoYes
Dedicated ClusterNoYes

Conclusion

While both Firebase and Backendless are great MbaaS platforms, how capable they are may differ by degrees.

Firebase offers a more comprehensive development experience and covers the entire app development journey, including building, monitoring, and engaging. On the other hand, it is less flexible, provides only Google Cloud hosting, and has no dedicated servers.

Backendless is a no-code visual app builder, and their database provides SQL driven search and relations. It is very flexible in hosting options and offers cloud hosting, self-hosting, and dedicated servers. On the other hand, it has fewer features in comparison to Firebase.

FAQ

What is Firebase?

Google’s app development platform.

What is Backendless?

Visual app development platform

What are the differences between Firebase and Backlendless?

Firebase offers a more comprehensive development experience and covers the entire app development journey, including building, monitoring, and engaging. On the other hand, it is less flexible, provides only Google Cloud hosting, and has no dedicated servers.

Backendless is a no-code visual app builder, and their database provides SQL driven search and relations. It is very flexible in hosting options and offers cloud hosting, self-hosting, and dedicated servers. On the other hand, it has fewer features in comparison to Firebase.


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