Introduction to Firebase
Did you happen to hear a word about mobile and app development platform, or maybe Google Cloud Platform, or maybe about a start-up which introduced the concept of Backend-as-a-service? If your answer is yes to all of them, then Firebase is not a new word you would be hearing. It was initially started as a YC11 startup, and then it showed no sign of looking back and has now established itself as a next-generation app-development platform on Google Cloud Platform. With the new concept of Backend-as-a-service, the limitation of not applying some of the bright ideas of rapid prototyping, which were initially not considered as it would take a lot of time, are nowadays well within consideration.
What is Firebase?
We would now see how big Firebase is, and not knowing about the past would be a great miss as in the history of evolving of Firebase lies the strength it brings to the table. Prior to Firebase, this concept was known as Envolve, a startup founded by Andrew Lee and James Tamplin. Initially, Envolve used to provide an API for the integration of online chat functionality to their websites. As soon as it was introduced, it was realized that this functionality was being used for passing application data. Soon it was understood that separating the real-time architecture and chat system would be the next step forward, and that is how Firebase was formed and launched publicly in April 2012.
After the acquire of Firebase as a company by Google, the expansion has been mammoth. The introduction of its first product of Firebase, the real-time database, was a huge success. This real-time database enables the users to sync-up the application data in the cloud and make it available across all devices, be it on iOS, Android or the web. With this introduction of the real-time database, the concept of having collaborative applications was born. The real-time syncing of data makes it immensely helpful for users as they can now access data from anywhere and with any device.
The next concept which Firebase got itself into was the authentication aspect. Authentication is an important aspect when it comes to the presence of cyber bullies at every nook and corner of the internet world trying to get into space illegally. This authentication service enables users to utilize the services using simple SDKs and pre-built easy-to-use UI libraries. The concept of utilizing the space of authentication is to reduce the time and complexity of something which is standardized and not to waste the developers focus on building something of this class for 10 months or so.
Applications of Firebase
Now we know where and how Firebase has grown into something which is a commendable place in the few years it has been for the public, and the application list is growing as time passes.
The application is vastly divided into 2 categories. One of them being on the development front and the other on the growth front.
Given below are the applications on the development front.
- Realtime Database: We have by far now known about the very first product of Firebase, and this product is the reason behind this company’s success.
- Authentication: This is another application of Firebase of which we have already talked about. The authentication would take place through Email and Password, mobile number and Social media platforms. Firebase provides the integration of all these types of authentication methods.
- Firebase Cloud Messaging: This type of messaging platform allows the developer to build an interface that would provide a reliable connection between the server and devices so that messages and notifications are received at no extra cost.
But they are Firebase Database Query, Firebase Storage, Test labs to test the applications developed, Performance monitoring and many such more.
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Given below are the applications on the growth front:
- At the heart of Firebase lies Firebase Analytics which is now a part of Google analytics.
- There are cloud messaging solutions being provided by Firebase.
- One can monetize their website by the usage of the AdMob utility of Firebase.
- Using it, one can even set for remote config and app indexing for their solution or products.
Now we would have received an overall picture of what Firebase is capable of as a BaaS.
Features of Firebase
Given below are the features mentioned:
- The real-time data management system is one of the most important features that allow easy and quick change of data to and from the database.
- The possibility to sync data without refreshing the screen is another feature that is heavily used in today’s market.
- The integration with Google Advertising, AdMob is an additional feature resulting from acquiring of Firebase by Google.
- The dashboard is a simple control one.
- It allows the user to choose from a number of services to choose from.
- All repetitive jobs are already present in the service utility of Firebase, thus allowing developers to focus on UI aesthetics.
Advantages of Firebase
Given below are the advantages mentioned:
- The storage potential of Firebase is massive.
- It is a serverless service.
- The security provided by Firebase is of the highest standards.
- Using Firebase requires the most minimal setup.
- Access to files, data, auth is quick and easy.
- The app state is serialized in a simple fashion.
- In order to power the app with data, there is no requirement for server infrastructure required.
- Due to the presence of JSON storage, there is no barrier between the data and objects.
- Finally, as we mentioned this almost the hundredth time, it has the most advanced real-time database.
Conclusion
Lastly, in this article, we have seen how easy does Firebase use as BaaS makes in the development of a feature or a product. And obviously, the name of Google does make developers confident to use it in day to day development.
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