Back-End as a Service (BaaS)
Full-Stack applications need a front-end and back-end. Using a Back-End as a Service (BaaS) like Firebase you get all the benefits of a back-end without the complications of setting one up from scratch.
We'll cover the following
The Firebase API
As programmers, we communicate with the back-end using an application programming interface (API). Firebase is certainly no exception.
Each method in the firebase object represents a different service. For example, by invoking the firestore() method you can get access to Cloud Firestore. It’s a database that you can use to store and retrieve information. After invoking firestore() you can then access methods specific to Cloud Firestore. These service-specific methods act as your endpoint for communicating with your back-end.
In order to set up a back-end, without Firebase, you would have to configure a server, database, and API. This is challenging and time-consuming.
High-Level Overview of a BaaS
As you can see from the iceberg in the figure you code the front-end while accessing and utilizing a back-end that is pre-configured. This saves you a lot of time while also making your application extremely secure.
Benefits of Using the Firebase BaaS
Shorten Development Time
In many scenarios we want a fully functioning application up and running in as little time as possible. With Firebase, you can dramatically cut development time.
Security
Firebase ships with built in comprehensive security. When configured correctly your app will be an impenetrable fortress. Without Firebase security is extremely hard to configure correctly.
High Speed Caching
How fast your site loads not only helps with SEO but creates a better user experience. When you deploy using Firebase hosting your app gets cached on solid state drives (SSD) throughout the world. This makes site loading time extremely fast.
Realtime Data
Cloud Firestore database updates all connected clients in realtime. This is excellent for many types of applications. The ability to get realtime updates makes applications a lot easier to implement.
Summary
So far I have told you a little about how Firebase works, and how to access different services. In the next section, I’ll break down the core services individually so you can see how each helps you in its own unique way.