firebase vs @supabase/supabase-js vs aws-amplify vs parse-server
Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) Libraries Comparison
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firebase@supabase/supabase-jsaws-amplifyparse-serverSimilar Packages:
What's Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) Libraries?

Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) libraries provide developers with ready-made backend solutions that simplify the process of building and managing server-side functionalities. These libraries typically offer features such as authentication, database management, real-time data synchronization, and cloud storage, allowing developers to focus on building the frontend of their applications without worrying about the complexities of backend infrastructure. By using BaaS libraries, developers can accelerate their development process, reduce server maintenance overhead, and leverage scalable cloud services.

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firebase2,713,6224,97425.9 MB7047 days agoApache-2.0
@supabase/supabase-js2,279,4683,718244 kB1837 days agoMIT
aws-amplify810,6749,529169 kB493a day agoApache-2.0
parse-server50,85621,1275.36 MB466a month agoApache-2.0
Feature Comparison: firebase vs @supabase/supabase-js vs aws-amplify vs parse-server

Database Management

  • firebase:

    Firebase offers a NoSQL database called Firestore, which is designed for real-time data synchronization across clients. It allows for flexible data structures and automatic scaling, making it easy to manage data for applications with dynamic content.

  • @supabase/supabase-js:

    Supabase uses PostgreSQL as its database, providing powerful SQL capabilities, including complex queries, joins, and transactions. It also supports real-time subscriptions, allowing developers to listen for changes in the database and update the UI accordingly.

  • aws-amplify:

    AWS Amplify integrates with various AWS databases, including DynamoDB and RDS. It allows developers to define data models and perform CRUD operations seamlessly. Amplify also supports GraphQL, enabling efficient data retrieval and manipulation.

  • parse-server:

    Parse Server provides a flexible data model that can be used with various databases like MongoDB or PostgreSQL. It allows for complex queries and supports cloud functions for server-side logic, giving developers control over data management.

Real-time Capabilities

  • firebase:

    Firebase is well-known for its real-time capabilities, especially with Firestore. It automatically synchronizes data across clients in real-time, making it an excellent choice for applications that need instant updates, such as social media feeds or messaging apps.

  • @supabase/supabase-js:

    Supabase provides real-time capabilities through its built-in subscriptions feature, allowing developers to listen for changes in database tables and update the frontend instantly. This is particularly useful for applications that require live updates, such as chat applications or collaborative tools.

  • aws-amplify:

    AWS Amplify supports real-time data synchronization through its API and WebSocket capabilities. It allows developers to build applications that can respond to data changes in real-time, although it may require additional configuration compared to other solutions.

  • parse-server:

    Parse Server can achieve real-time functionality through the use of WebSocket connections, allowing developers to implement live queries and notifications. However, it may require more manual setup compared to Firebase or Supabase.

Authentication

  • firebase:

    Firebase Authentication offers a simple and secure way to authenticate users using email/password, phone authentication, and various social providers. It provides a straightforward API for managing user sessions and integrates well with Firestore.

  • @supabase/supabase-js:

    Supabase provides built-in authentication features, including email/password login, OAuth providers, and JWT tokens. It simplifies user management and session handling, making it easy to secure applications without extensive backend logic.

  • aws-amplify:

    AWS Amplify offers a comprehensive authentication module that supports various authentication methods, including social logins, multi-factor authentication, and user management. It integrates seamlessly with other AWS services, providing a robust security framework.

  • parse-server:

    Parse Server includes user authentication features, allowing developers to implement user sign-up, login, and session management. It supports various authentication methods, including username/password and OAuth, but may require more custom implementation compared to other BaaS options.

Extensibility

  • firebase:

    Firebase offers extensibility through Cloud Functions, allowing developers to run backend code in response to events triggered by Firebase features. This enables custom logic and integrations with third-party services, although it may require familiarity with serverless architecture.

  • @supabase/supabase-js:

    Supabase is designed to be extensible, allowing developers to create custom functions and triggers within the PostgreSQL database. This enables advanced data processing and business logic to be executed directly on the database level.

  • aws-amplify:

    AWS Amplify is highly extensible, providing a wide range of integrations with other AWS services. Developers can customize their backend using AWS Lambda functions, API Gateway, and other services, allowing for complex application architectures.

  • parse-server:

    Parse Server is open-source and can be customized extensively. Developers can add custom cloud code, hooks, and classes, providing flexibility to implement specific business logic and integrate with other services.

Learning Curve

  • firebase:

    Firebase is known for its ease of use and quick setup, making it ideal for beginners. Its extensive documentation and community support help developers get up to speed quickly, especially for building real-time applications.

  • @supabase/supabase-js:

    Supabase has a relatively gentle learning curve, especially for developers familiar with SQL and relational databases. Its straightforward API and documentation make it easy to get started, allowing developers to quickly build applications without extensive backend knowledge.

  • aws-amplify:

    AWS Amplify has a steeper learning curve due to its comprehensive feature set and integration with various AWS services. Developers may need to familiarize themselves with AWS concepts and configurations, which can be overwhelming for newcomers.

  • parse-server:

    Parse Server may require a moderate learning curve, particularly for developers who need to self-host and configure their backend. However, its flexibility and open-source nature can be appealing for those looking for a customizable solution.

How to Choose: firebase vs @supabase/supabase-js vs aws-amplify vs parse-server
  • firebase:

    Choose Firebase if you need a robust, real-time database solution with excellent support for mobile and web applications. Firebase excels in providing real-time data synchronization and a wide array of services like authentication and cloud functions, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and MVPs.

  • @supabase/supabase-js:

    Choose Supabase if you are looking for an open-source alternative to Firebase that offers a PostgreSQL database with real-time capabilities and a simple API. It is ideal for projects that require SQL-based data management and want to leverage the power of relational databases.

  • aws-amplify:

    Choose AWS Amplify if you are already invested in the AWS ecosystem and need a comprehensive set of tools for building scalable applications. It provides a wide range of services, including authentication, APIs, storage, and hosting, making it suitable for enterprise-level applications.

  • parse-server:

    Choose Parse Server if you prefer an open-source solution that can be self-hosted and offers flexibility in terms of data storage and server-side logic. It is well-suited for developers who want more control over their backend infrastructure and prefer a customizable solution.

README for firebase

Build Status Version Coverage Status

Firebase - App success made simple

Upgrade to Version 9

Version 9 has a redesigned API that supports tree-shaking. Read the Upgrade Guide to learn more.

Overview

Firebase provides the tools and infrastructure you need to develop, grow, and earn money from your app. This package supports web (browser), mobile-web, and server (Node.js) clients.

For more information, visit:

  • Firebase Realtime Database - The Firebase Realtime Database lets you store and query user data, and makes it available between users in realtime.
  • Cloud Firestore - Cloud Firestore is a flexible, scalable database for mobile, web, and server development from Firebase and Google Cloud Platform.
  • Firebase Storage - Firebase Storage lets you upload and store user generated content, such as files, and images.
  • Cloud Functions for Firebase - Cloud Functions for Firebase is a serverless framework that lets you automatically run backend code in response to events triggered by Firebase features and HTTPS requests.
  • Firebase Cloud Messaging - Firebase Cloud Messaging is a cross-platform messaging solution that lets you reliably deliver messages at no cost.
  • Firebase Performance Monitoring - Firebase Performance Monitoring helps you gain insight into your app's performance issues.
  • Google Analytics - Google Analytics is a free app measurement solution that provides insight on app usage and user engagement.
  • Remote Config - Firebase Remote Config is a cloud service that lets you change the behavior and appearance of your app without requiring users to reload your app.
  • App Check - App Check helps protect your backend resources from abuse, such as billing fraud and phishing. It works with both Firebase services and your own backends to keep your resources safe.
  • Create and setup your account - Get started using Firebase for free.

This SDK is intended for end-user client access from environments such as the Web, mobile Web (e.g. React Native, Ionic), Node.js desktop (e.g. Electron), or IoT devices running Node.js. If you are instead interested in using a Node.js SDK which grants you admin access from a privileged environment (like a server), you should use the Firebase Admin Node.js SDK.

Install the SDK

Install the Firebase NPM module:

$ npm init
$ npm install --save firebase

Use Firebase in your app

  1. Initialize Firebase in your app and create a Firebase App object:
import { initializeApp } from 'firebase/app';

// TODO: Replace the following with your app's Firebase project configuration
const firebaseConfig = {
  //...
};

const app = initializeApp(firebaseConfig);
  1. Access Firebase services in your app

Firebase services (like Cloud Firestore, Authentication, Realtime Database, Remote Config, and more) are available to import within individual sub-packages.

The example below shows how you could use the Cloud Firestore Lite SDK to retrieve a list of data.

import { initializeApp } from 'firebase/app';
import { getFirestore, collection, getDocs } from 'firebase/firestore/lite';
// Follow this pattern to import other Firebase services
// import { } from 'firebase/<service>';

// TODO: Replace the following with your app's Firebase project configuration
const firebaseConfig = {
  //...
};

const app = initializeApp(firebaseConfig);
const db = getFirestore(app);

// Get a list of cities from your database
async function getCities(db) {
  const citiesCol = collection(db, 'cities');
  const citySnapshot = await getDocs(citiesCol);
  const cityList = citySnapshot.docs.map(doc => doc.data());
  return cityList;
}

Use a module bundler for size reduction

The Firebase Web SDK is designed to work with module bundlers to remove any unused code (tree-shaking). We strongly recommend using this approach for production apps. Tools such as the Angular CLI, Next.js, Vue CLI, or Create React App automatically handle module bundling for libraries installed through npm and imported into your codebase.

See Using module bundlers with Firebase for more information.

Script include

You can also load Firebase packages as script modules in browsers that support native ES modules.

<!-- use script module by specifying type="module" -->
<script type="module">
    import { initializeApp } from 'https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/${FIREBASE_VERSION}/firebase-app.js';
    import { getFirestore, collection, getDocs } from 'https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/${FIREBASE_VERSION}/firebase-firestore-lite.js';
    // Follow this pattern to import other Firebase services
    // import {} from "https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/${FIREBASE_VERSION}/firebase-analytics.js";
    // import {} from "https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/${FIREBASE_VERSION}/firebase-app-check.js";
    // import {} from "https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/${FIREBASE_VERSION}/firebase-auth.js";
    // import {} from "https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/${FIREBASE_VERSION}/firebase-functions.js";
    // import {} from "https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/${FIREBASE_VERSION}/firebase-firestore.js";
    // import {} from "https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/${FIREBASE_VERSION}/firebase-storage.js";
    // import {} from "https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/${FIREBASE_VERSION}/firebase-performance.js";
    // import {} from "https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/${FIREBASE_VERSION}/firebase-remote-config.js";
    // import {} from "https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/${FIREBASE_VERSION}/firebase-messaging.js";
    // import {} from "https://www.gstatic.com/firebasejs/${FIREBASE_VERSION}/firebase-database.js";
    
    // TODO: Replace the following with your app's Firebase project configuration
    const firebaseConfig = {
    //...
    };

    const app = initializeApp(firebaseConfig);
    const db = getFirestore(app);

    // Get a list of cities from your database
    async function getCities(db) {
    const citiesCol = collection(db, 'cities');
    const citySnapshot = await getDocs(citiesCol);
    const cityList = citySnapshot.docs.map(doc => doc.data());
    return cityList;
    }
</script>

Note: To get a filled in version of the above code snippet, go to the Firebase console for your app and click on "Add Firebase to your web app".

Get the code (Node.js - server and command line)

Install the SDK

While you can write entire Firebase applications without any backend code, many developers want to write server applications or command-line utilities using the Node.js JavaScript runtime.

You can use the same npm module to use Firebase in the Node.js runtime (on a server or running from the command line):

$ npm init
$ npm install --save firebase

In your code, you can access Firebase using:

const { initializeApp } = require('firebase/app');
const { getFirestore, collection, getDocs } = require('firebase/firestore');
// ...

If you are using native ES6 module with --experimental-modules flag (or Node 12+) you should do:

import { initializeApp } from 'firebase/app';
import { getFirestore, collection, getDocs } from 'firebase/firestore';
// ...

Please see Environment Support for which packages are available in Node.js.

Compat packages

Version 9 provides a set of compat packages that are API compatible with Version 8. They are intended to be used to make the upgrade to the modular API easier by allowing you to upgrade your app piece by piece. See the Upgrade Guide for more detail.

To access the compat packages, use the subpath compat like so:

// v9 compat packages are API compatible with v8 code
import firebase from 'firebase/compat/app';
import 'firebase/compat/auth';
import 'firebase/compat/firestore';

Changelog

The Firebase changelog can be found at firebase.google.com.

Browser/environment compatibility

Please see Environment Support.