Firebase vs. Parse Server | Secrets Unlocked

Are you looking for an effective Backend as a Service solution to power the backend of your applications?

A robust backend of an application ensures its success and enhances its credibility. No matter how attractive your application looks, the absence of a powerful backend can fail your application to deliver the best.

However, when it comes to picking the best backend solution, multiple factors are vital in making a successful selection. Considering compelling features of your preferred services are essential. However, Parse and Firebase are two well-known backend options available. Let’s get deep into these solutions to know which can work the best for you.

Google has recently released a new version of Firebase. It provides a unified platform to build Android, iOS, and Web Apps. Admob, Analytics, Authentication, Indexing, Test Lab, ML, and Notifications are some of the new features introduced in the latest version of Firebase.

Parse Server is a better choice to build new apps or APIs. Read on to get a sense of comparison between the two and understand why Parse Server is still better.

Firebase

Google Firebase development platform runs on Google Cloud, and below are some of the striking features of Firebase that seem to be advantageous to the developers. Firebase offers the following features:

Data Storage

Firebase stores the data in JSON format. JSON data is readily available through REST APIs or by using client libraries. The data is stored in the cloud and thus can be accessed from anywhere.

Real-time data sync

Firebase is designed with a model-observer scheme which is most useful for interactive apps. Any change in data done on the server is updated to the registered clients in real-time. The data syncs almost instantly on the client devices.

Cloud messaging and remote customization of apps enable us to update the app variables instantly.

Authentication and data security

It is robust, cross-platform APIs for Android and iOS apps. It also supports Javascript with a highly flexible security API. Authentication through Twitter, Facebook, and Google is validated.

Real Time Database

The users need not worry about hosting data as Firebase will take care of it. With a central database, Firebase can update all the users with real-time data.

Machine Learning

Firebase machine learning kit offers users machine learning features, including language translator, face recognition, and much more.

In a nutshell, the machine learning feature of firebase can provide SDK, which can be integrated with iOS and Android applications with ease. It can bring the machine learning expertise of google to your applications in a more accessible yet powerful way.

Kotlin Extensions

This is one of the most recent Firebase releases in 2020. The KTX libraries are now under beta and available for developers using Kotlin in their Android apps. 

Other Firebase features: App testing, Cloud Firestore, Firebase test lab, remote config, firebase console, crash reporting, Firebase base runs on Google Cloud.

Pricing model for Firebase

When it comes to the pricing structure of Firebase, then, fortunately, it is offering highly flexible plans. You can start with its free account and scale your application’s resources as and when required.

However, the pricing structure of Firebase is based on pay as you go. So you only have to pay for the services you are utilizing in your application.

Parse Server

Parse Server is an open-source development toolkit to build backends. The Parse Server self-hosted by the users can be the best platform to develop mobile applications and APIs. This open-source backend has the following features:

Easy to deploy

Parse Server needs infrastructure that runs on Node.js, supporting the Express web app framework. Once you have the data ready in the database, you don’t need significant changes to the client code to run your applications.

Spreadsheet like database

Parse server offers a feature of integrating a spreadsheet-like database solution for its users. This database feature is meant to store your app and users’ data.

Developers can deploy this database with GraphQL and REST APIs within no time. Even more, creating, managing, and deploying this database is pretty easier.

GraphQL APIs

Parse released GraphQL APIs during 2019. Nowadays, a developer can retrieve data either with REST or GraphQL APIs. To know more, please read here. 

Data storage

Parse Server has enhanced database functionalities such as performance refactoring, data backup and restore, and indexing. It offers multiple storage options, including S3 and hosting services like Back4app.

With Parse Server, users can choose a file system of their choice. There is also an option of storing files in JSON format as a backup. These JSON files can be imported whenever needed.

Pointer permission

Parse Server has managed to ensure data security without changing client code. Pointer permission is one of the most recent updates for the Parse Server and is available in the latest version of the Parse Server.

Dashboard

The dashboard enables users to manage and configure their apps and send push notifications.

Live Queries

Users need not make the same queries every time they need data. Users can construct a query, and Parse Server will fetch real-time data when the resulting data changes.

Pricing model for Parse Server

Parse offers two types of hosting solutions given below:

Download and self-host

Users can download the Parse solution and host it on their own server. It can be an effective path for small apps, but scaling larger applications may be a hassle.

Parse hosting services

Users can also utilize Parse Server hosting solutions to run this on their local machines. It can let you develop and test your applications locally or in the cloud easily. Most amazingly, scaling your applications when using parse hosting services is more effortless.

Vendor lock-in

The advantage of the open-source development environment is that the developers have complete control over the source code. They have the power of migrating the data to different platforms when required.

Parse Server has long-term stability compared to any such vendor-based platform. Parse Server is undoubtedly better than Firebase to develop Android, iOS, or web application APIs with a strong community background and feature-rich open-source platform.

Parse vs Firebase Quick comparison

Firebase and Parse Server can host Android, iOS, and web applications. Compared to Firebase, Parse is open-source, has multiple hosting options, and no vendor lock-in. On the other hand, Firebase has a more comprehensive set of features and it is supported by Google. 

But as far as Parse Server is concerned, it has all the features of Firebase and many more advantages that it can offer to the users.

• Firebase has a Free tier and a Pay as you Go plan
• Parse has the option to download, and hosting plans start at $25/mo
• Firebase runs on Google Cloud
• Parse runs on any cloud
• Firebase is a proprietary technology from Google
• Parse is an open-source framework
• Users of Firebase will not have full access to their source code, and IP ownership of app components is denied.
• Data migration is not as easy as Parse Server.
• Above all, Firebase users are vendor-locked.

The table below will help you to understand the differences between Parse Server vs Firebase. 

Conclusion

Services like Firebase and Parse can help developers get rid of infrastructure and other essential services management headaches.

These services come up with their kind of features and benefits. However, when it is about preferring one of these solutions, make sure to see the requirements of your application.

It is because knowing your application’s requirements will let you have a better idea about what will work for you more effectively. Ultimately, you will make a better pick without playing any guessing game anymore. So, read all the details mentioned above and choose smartly.