MongoDB vs Parse-Server: What are the differences?
Introduction
MongoDB and Parse-Server are two popular databases used in web development. While they have some similarities, there are key differences that set them apart.
- Data Storage and Querying
MongoDB is a NoSQL database that stores data in a flexible, document-based format. It allows for dynamic schemas and easy scaling. On the other hand, Parse-Server is built on top of MongoDB and provides cloud-based storage with built-in querying features and RESTful APIs.
- Deployment and Hosting
MongoDB can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud, giving developers more control over their infrastructure. Parse-Server, however, is designed to be hosted on Parse's own cloud platform or on a third-party infrastructure provider. It simplifies the deployment process and offers hassle-free hosting for applications.
- Real-time Data Sync
MongoDB lacks real-time data sync capabilities out of the box. Developers are required to use additional tools and libraries to enable real-time updates for their applications. In contrast, Parse-Server provides real-time data sync by integrating with WebSocket protocols. This allows for real-time notifications and automatic data synchronization between client and server.
- Built-in User Authentication
Parse-Server includes built-in user authentication and session management features. It provides a user management system with support for various authentication methods like email, username, and social login. MongoDB, on the other hand, does not have these features built-in and developers need to implement user authentication from scratch.
- Scalability
MongoDB is known for its ability to scale horizontally across multiple servers, making it suitable for high-performance applications with large amounts of data. Parse-Server, being built on top of MongoDB, inherits its scalability features and supports automatic sharding and load balancing. It allows applications to handle increasing user loads and data storage requirements effectively.
- Community and Ecosystem
MongoDB has a large and active community with extensive documentation, tutorials, and online resources available. It also has a wide range of official and third-party libraries and tools for various programming languages. Parse-Server, although it has a smaller community compared to MongoDB, has its own ecosystem with support for backend services, push notifications, and analytics.
In summary, MongoDB and Parse-Server differ in terms of data storage and querying, deployment and hosting options, real-time data sync capabilities, built-in user authentication, scalability features, and community support and ecosystem.
