.png?width=184&height=80&name=bm-positive%20(1).png)
Firebase: amazing underrated service?
Read Time 3 mins | Written by: Kostia L

Firebase is a comprehensive platform developed by Google that simplifies the process of developing and managing mobile and web applications. I almost fell asleep just typing it. I heard about Firebase many times, but the complexity of it never allowed me to try it. When something has a hundred features, you don't know where to start. Not only that but being not a developer means that there is also a barrier to learning how to use it. Still, I want to go through the features and discover their potential.
Capabilities of Firebase
-
Real-Time Database:
A cloud-based database that updates in real-time. This means any changes in data are immediately reflected across all users' devices without any delay. Ideal for instant updates, such as chat apps or collaborative tools where users can see changes as they happen.
-
Cloud Firestore:
-
A more advanced, scalable database that supports richer queries and real-time synchronization. Great for complex applications like social networks or e-commerce platforms. Anything where you need to store and retrieve a large amount of data quickly and efficiently.
-
-
Authentication:
-
Simplifies the process of adding user sign-up and login functionalities to your app. Supports various authentication methods like email, Google, Facebook, and more. It enhances security and user experience by providing secure login process. This is crucial for any application handling user data.
-
-
Hosting:
-
Fast and secure web hosting for your app’s static and dynamic content, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files. Perfect for deploying web apps, landing pages, and serving content to users with high reliability and speed.
-
-
Cloud Functions:
-
Allows to run backend code in response to events triggered by Firebase features or HTTPS requests. Automate tasks like handling data changes without managing your own server. It may be sending notifications, processing payments or anything else.
-
-
Machine Learning:
-
Provides tools and APIs to add machine learning capabilities to your app without needing deep expertise in AI. Being a super complicated topic, any easy connection to AI operations is a quick way to start using it.
-
-
Analytics:
-
Offers detailed insights into how users interact with your app. This is one way of tracking events and user properties to help you understand user behavior. You can optimize your app’s performance and marketing strategies based on data.
-
-
Crashlytics:
-
A real-time crash reporting tool that helps you identify and fix issues in your app. Improve app stability by quickly resolving crashes and bugs, ensuring a smoother experience for your users.
-
-
Performance Monitoring:
-
Monitors the performance of your app. Similar to crash reports, you want to know how fast your app is. Ensure your app runs efficiently by identifying and addressing performance bottlenecks.
-
I believe that Firebase is great. It can be a useful tool to solve very specific problems without taking care of a complex infrastructure. And as a non-developer, this is exactly what I need whenever I try to explore technology.