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  1. Stackups
  2. Application & Data
  3. Platform as a Service
  4. Realtime Backend API
  5. AWS AppSync vs Firebase

AWS AppSync vs Firebase

OverviewDecisionsComparisonAlternatives

Overview

Firebase
Firebase
Stacks42.5K
Followers36.0K
Votes2.0K
AWS AppSync
AWS AppSync
Stacks197
Followers257
Votes30

AWS AppSync vs Firebase: What are the differences?

Introduction:

In this markdown code, we will compare the key differences between AWS AppSync and Firebase. Both AWS AppSync and Firebase are popular backend-as-a-service (BaaS) platforms that provide developers with tools to build and maintain serverless applications. However, there are significant differences between the two in terms of features, functionality, and platform integration.

1. Scalability and Performance:

AWS AppSync provides high scalability and performance by leveraging AWS infrastructure. It allows developers to take advantage of resources such as DynamoDB, Lambda, and ElasticSearch for data storage and retrieval, which enables efficient and elastic scaling. On the other hand, Firebase's scalability and performance are limited to the resources provided by Google Cloud Platform, which may not provide the same level of scalability and performance as AWS.

2. Data Storage and Query Flexibility:

AWS AppSync supports a wide range of databases including DynamoDB, Aurora, and ElasticSearch, providing developers with more flexibility in choosing the right data storage solution for their application needs. In contrast, Firebase primarily relies on its own NoSQL database called Cloud Firestore, which may not be suitable for all use cases and may require additional effort for migrating existing data.

3. Serverless Functionality:

AWS AppSync integrates seamlessly with AWS Lambda, allowing developers to easily create serverless functions that can be triggered by various events, such as data changes. This provides a powerful mechanism for implementing serverless logic and backend processes. Firebase, on the other hand, provides its own serverless functions called Cloud Functions, but they are not as tightly integrated with the broader AWS ecosystem.

4. Real-time Data Synchronization:

Firebase is well-known for its real-time data synchronization capabilities, which enable developers to build real-time collaborative applications. Firebase includes a real-time database that automatically syncs data across clients in real-time. AWS AppSync also supports real-time capabilities through its subscription model, but it may require additional configuration and setup compared to Firebase's out-of-the-box real-time synchronization.

5. Authentication and Authorization:

Both AWS AppSync and Firebase provide authentication and authorization mechanisms for securing access to resources. However, Firebase offers a more integrated and streamlined experience for handling user authentication, and it includes authentication providers like Google, Facebook, Twitter, and more. AWS AppSync also supports authentication and authorization, but with a wider variety of integration options including Amazon Cognito and third-party identity providers.

6. Analytics and Monitoring:

Firebase offers a comprehensive set of analytics and monitoring tools that provide insights into user engagement, app performance, and crash reporting. These tools enable developers to understand how users interact with their apps and optimize the user experience. AWS AppSync also provides basic analytics and monitoring capabilities, but it may require additional setup and integration with other AWS services like CloudWatch for more advanced monitoring features.

In Summary, AWS AppSync offers greater scalability, flexibility, and integration with the broader AWS ecosystem. It provides a wider range of data storage options and seamless integration with AWS Lambda for creating serverless functions. On the other hand, Firebase excels in real-time data synchronization, authentication, and provides a comprehensive set of analytics and monitoring tools. Developers should choose between the two based on their specific application requirements and preferred platform integration.

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Advice on Firebase, AWS AppSync

Jared
Jared

Contractor at Insight Global

Aug 9, 2019

ReviewonFirebaseFirebase

I started using Firebase over 5 years ago because of the 'real-time' nature. I originally used to use Real Time Database, but now I use Cloud Firestore. I recommend using the Google Firebase PaaS to quickly develop or prototype small to enterprise level web/mobile applications. Since Google purchased Firebase, it has exploded and it growing rapidly. I also find some level of comfort that it is Backed by Google.

272k views272k
Comments
Noam
Noam

Jul 16, 2020

Needs adviceonNode.jsNode.jsExpressJSExpressJSReactReact

We are starting to work on a web-based platform aiming to connect artists (clients) and professional freelancers (service providers). In-app, timeline-based, real-time communication between users (& storing it), file transfers, and push notifications are essential core features. We are considering using Node.js, ExpressJS, React, MongoDB stack with Socket.IO & Apollo, or maybe using Real-Time Database and functionalities of Firebase.

1.15M views1.15M
Comments

Detailed Comparison

Firebase
Firebase
AWS AppSync
AWS AppSync

Firebase is a cloud service designed to power real-time, collaborative applications. Simply add the Firebase library to your application to gain access to a shared data structure; any changes you make to that data are automatically synchronized with the Firebase cloud and with other clients within milliseconds.

AWS AppSync automatically updates the data in web and mobile applications in real time, and updates data for offline users as soon as they reconnect. AppSync makes it easy to build collaborative mobile and web applications that deliver responsive, collaborative user experiences.

Add the Firebase library to your app and get access to a shared data structure. Any changes made to that data are automatically synchronized with the Firebase cloud and with other clients within milliseconds.;Firebase apps can be written entirely with client-side code, update in real-time out-of-the-box, interoperate well with existing services, scale automatically, and provide strong data security.;Data Accessibility- Data is stored as JSON in Firebase. Every piece of data has its own URL which can be used in Firebase's client libraries and as a REST endpoint. These URLs can also be entered into a browser to view the data and watch it update in real-time.;Real-time Synchronization- Firebase takes a new approach to the way data is moved around an app. Rather than using a traditional request & response model, it works by synchronizing data between devices. Whenever your data changes, all clients are immediately notified within milliseconds. The synchronized data is also persisted, allowing new clients to be immediately updated.;First-class Data Security- Traditional applications intermix security code with application code, whereas Firebase treats security as a first-class feature. You define your security policies in one place using a flexible rules language, and Firebase ensures that they are consistently enforced across all parts of your application. Having all your security logic in one place allows for easy auditing and helps you avoid security mistakes. The safety and security of your data is our top priority.;Automatic Scaling- The Firebase API is built from the ground up for performance and scale. Whenever your data changes, Firebase calculates the minimum set of updates required to keep all your clients in sync. In addition, all Firebase API functions are designed to scale linearly with the size of the data being synchronized. More importantly, Firebase handles all of the scaling and operations for you. Your app will scale from its first user to its first million without any code changes.;Servers are Optional- Firebase can provide all of the data storage, control, and transmission needs of most apps. In many cases, Firebase can completely replace your server and server-side code. This means you no longer need to build complicated backend software and can instead focus on your application logic and your customers.
Uses GraphQL; Real-time data access and updates; Offline data synchronization; Data querying, filtering, and search in apps; Enterprise security and fine-grained access control
Statistics
Stacks
42.5K
Stacks
197
Followers
36.0K
Followers
257
Votes
2.0K
Votes
30
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 371
    Realtime backend made easy
  • 270
    Fast and responsive
  • 242
    Easy setup
  • 215
    Real-time
  • 191
    JSON
Cons
  • 31
    Can become expensive
  • 16
    No open source, you depend on external company
  • 15
    Scalability is not infinite
  • 9
    Not Flexible Enough
  • 7
    Cant filter queries
Pros
  • 9
    GraphQL
  • 6
    Real-Time
  • 3
    Offline
  • 3
    Apollo
  • 2
    BaaS
Integrations
Trigger.io
Trigger.io
Famo.us
Famo.us
Backbone.js
Backbone.js
Ember.js
Ember.js
AngularJS
AngularJS
React
React
Android SDK
Android SDK
Cocoa Touch (iOS)
Cocoa Touch (iOS)
GraphQL
GraphQL
Amazon Cognito
Amazon Cognito
React Native
React Native
Amazon DynamoDB
Amazon DynamoDB
Ionic
Ionic
AWS Lambda
AWS Lambda
JavaScript
JavaScript
Amazon Elasticsearch Service
Amazon Elasticsearch Service

What are some alternatives to Firebase, AWS AppSync?

Socket.IO

Socket.IO

It enables real-time bidirectional event-based communication. It works on every platform, browser or device, focusing equally on reliability and speed.

PubNub

PubNub

PubNub makes it easy for you to add real-time capabilities to your apps, without worrying about the infrastructure. Build apps that allow your users to engage in real-time across mobile, browser, desktop and server.

Pusher

Pusher

Pusher is the category leader in delightful APIs for app developers building communication and collaboration features.

Prisma Cloud

Prisma Cloud

One tool for your entire team to work with Prisma. Manage deployments and securely access data in the databrowser.

SignalR

SignalR

SignalR allows bi-directional communication between server and client. Servers can now push content to connected clients instantly as it becomes available. SignalR supports Web Sockets, and falls back to other compatible techniques for older browsers. SignalR includes APIs for connection management (for instance, connect and disconnect events), grouping connections, and authorization.

Ably

Ably

Ably offers WebSockets, stream resume, history, presence, and managed third-party integrations to make it simple to build, extend, and deliver digital realtime experiences at scale.

Syncano

Syncano

Syncano is a backend platform to build powerful real-time apps more efficiently. Integrate with any API, minimize boilerplate code and control your data - all from one place.

NATS

NATS

Unlike traditional enterprise messaging systems, NATS has an always-on dial tone that does whatever it takes to remain available. This forms a great base for building modern, reliable, and scalable cloud and distributed systems.

SocketCluster

SocketCluster

SocketCluster is a fast, highly scalable HTTP + realtime server engine which lets you build multi-process realtime servers that make use of all CPU cores on a machine/instance. It removes the limitations of having to run your Node.js server as a single thread and makes your backend resilient by automatically recovering from worker crashes and aggregating errors into a central log.

deepstream.io

deepstream.io

Scalable Server for Realtime Web Apps with JSON structures that can be read, manipulated and listened to, messages that can be sent to one or more subscribers, and request response workflows, between two clients or servers.

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