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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.

Advice on AWS AppSync and Firebase
Needs advice
on
ApolloApolloFirebaseFirebase
and
Socket.IOSocket.IO

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.

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Replies (3)
Timothy Malstead
Junior Full Stack Developer at Freelance · | 7 upvotes · 461.3K views
Recommends
on
FirebaseFirebase

I would recommend looking hard into Firebase for this project, especially if you do not have dedicated full-stack or backend members on your team.

The real time database, as you mentioned, is a great option, but I would also look into Firestore. Similar to RTDB, it adds more functions and some cool methods as well. Also, another great thing about Firebase is you have easy access to storage and dead simple auth as well.

Node.js Express MongoDB Socket.IO and Apollo are great technologies as well, and may be the better option if you do not wish to cede as much control to third parties in your application.

Overall, I say if you wish to focus more time developing your React application instead of other parts of your stack, Firebase is a great way to do that.

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Recommends
on
AblyAbly

Hello Noam 👋,

I suggest taking a look at Ably, it has all the realtime features you need and the platform is designed to guarantee critical functionality at scale.

Here is an in depth comparison between Ably and Firebase

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Recommends
on
8base8base

Hey Noam,

I would recommend you to take a look into 8base. It has features you've requested, also relation database and GraphQL API which will help you to develop rapidly.

Thanks, Ilya

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Pros of AWS AppSync
Pros of Firebase
  • 9
    GraphQL
  • 6
    Real-Time
  • 3
    Offline
  • 3
    Apollo
  • 2
    Fully managed and scalable GraphQL Resolver!
  • 2
    Backed by Amazon
  • 2
    BaaS
  • 2
    AWS
  • 1
    Enterprise Security
  • 371
    Realtime backend made easy
  • 270
    Fast and responsive
  • 242
    Easy setup
  • 215
    Real-time
  • 191
    JSON
  • 134
    Free
  • 128
    Backed by google
  • 83
    Angular adaptor
  • 68
    Reliable
  • 36
    Great customer support
  • 32
    Great documentation
  • 25
    Real-time synchronization
  • 21
    Mobile friendly
  • 18
    Rapid prototyping
  • 14
    Great security
  • 12
    Automatic scaling
  • 11
    Freakingly awesome
  • 8
    Super fast development
  • 8
    Angularfire is an amazing addition!
  • 8
    Chat
  • 6
    Built in user auth/oauth
  • 6
    Ios adaptor
  • 6
    Awesome next-gen backend
  • 6
    Firebase hosting
  • 4
    Speed of light
  • 4
    Very easy to use
  • 3
    Great
  • 3
    It's made development super fast
  • 3
    Brilliant for startups
  • 2
    The concurrent updates create a great experience
  • 2
    Push notification
  • 2
    .net
  • 2
    Cloud functions
  • 2
    Free hosting
  • 2
    Free authentication solution
  • 2
    JS Offline and Sync suport
  • 2
    Low battery consumption
  • 2
    I can quickly create static web apps with no backend
  • 2
    Great all-round functionality
  • 1
    Large
  • 1
    Easy to use
  • 1
    Free SSL
  • 1
    Faster workflow
  • 1
    Google's support
  • 1
    CDN & cache out of the box
  • 1
    Easy Reactjs integration
  • 1
    Simple and easy
  • 1
    Good Free Limits
  • 1
    Serverless

Sign up to add or upvote prosMake informed product decisions

Cons of AWS AppSync
Cons of Firebase
    Be the first to leave a con
    • 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
    • 3
      Very unstable server
    • 3
      No Relational Data
    • 2
      Too many errors
    • 2
      No offline sync

    Sign up to add or upvote consMake informed product decisions

    What is AWS AppSync?

    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.

    What is Firebase?

    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.

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    What companies use AWS AppSync?
    What companies use Firebase?
    See which teams inside your own company are using AWS AppSync or Firebase.
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    What tools integrate with AWS AppSync?
    What tools integrate with Firebase?

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    Blog Posts

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    What are some alternatives to AWS AppSync and Firebase?
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    It is a cloud-hosted NoSQL database that lets you store and sync data between your users in realtime. Data is synced across all clients in realtime, and remains available when your app goes offline.
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