Firebase is a popular backend service for mobile apps. However, not all apps need to use it. There are a few reasons why you might not want to use Firebase for context. First, this platform may not be well-suited for all your app needs. Second, Firebase is relatively resource-intensive, so it may not be the best choice if your app doesn’t need heavy processing or storage capabilities. Finally, Firebase can be challenging to set up and manage, so if you’re not experienced with using cloud-based services, it may not be the best option for you. You can use various Firebase alternatives if you decide you don’t want to use this platform. In this article, we will be looking at some of the reasons not to use Firebase as follows:
1. Your Data Is Hosted On Serves You Don’t Own
One of the biggest drawbacks of using Firebase is that your data is hosted on servers not owned by you. If the servers were to go bankrupt, your data could be lost or inaccessible. Another major drawback of using Firebase is that its data is at risk if it goes bankrupt. If Firebase were to go bankrupt, users’ data would be lost, and applications built with it would no longer function. So, your data is not hosted on servers owned by you. It is impossible for you to export user data, and you are not able to send individual messages or encrypt email accounts. Exported user accounts can not be recovered, and exporting password-protected user accounts is impossible.
2. Data Migration Problems Using Firebase
If you decide to move your data from Firebase to another platform, you may experience data migration problems. Firebase is designed for mobile applications, but it can also be used for web applications. If you are using Firebase for a web application, you will likely have to migrate your user data manually. It can be challenging to migrate data from other systems to Firebase. Several common problems include lost data and errors caused by incompatibilities between the two systems. If you are using Firebase for a mobile application, the process of migrating user data may not be as straightforward. You will likely have to use an app migration tool or a third-party migration service. So, choosing a platform carefully before you start developing your app is important. Firebase is a system that offers data migration features similar to a conventional SQL database. Firebase uses JSON, and JSON is considered a simple way of categorizing and accessing data. As a result, Firebase isn’t an improvement over the initial database migration process.
3. Limited Querying Problem
Firebase’s querying capabilities are limited and can only be used to retrieve data from the database. The lack of querying capabilities can lead to problems when trying to get the data that you need. For example, if you need to know the names of all of the users who have made a purchase in the last month, you would not be able to do this using Firebase. Another limitation is that Firebase cannot be used for real-time updates or notifications. Therefore, if you need to keep track of changes in your data, you will have to use complex methods with limited access. One of the main reasons to avoid using Firebase as a context provider is its limited querying capability. While this limitation is not insurmountable, it can create limitations when trying to provide context for certain tasks or data.
4. Too Much Oriented Towards Towards Real-Time Sync
Firebase is designed to be used as a real-time sync provider. This means that it is focused on providing updates and notifications in real time. While this can be useful for certain applications, it can also be problematic. For example, if you need to keep track of changes over a longer period, Firebase may not be the best option. Consequently, Firebase is unreliable and has been known to have issues syncing data between different devices. A real-time sync platform should be used in conjunction with other platforms designed for real-time syncs, such as Cloud Functions or Node.js. If you are not looking to use Firebase for real-time sync, it may be more appropriate to use any Firebase alternatives.
5. Limited Security Rules
One of the biggest limitations of Firebase is its lack of security rules. This means that the data you store in Firebase is open to attack. If your application requires more security than Firebase can provide, you may need to consider using an alternative provider. While third-party solutions offer more security, it can be difficult to find and use these solutions. Consequently, it is important to do your research before selecting a security solution for your application. Firebase has a very simple security system that doesn’t offer much protection from malicious actors. Additionally, Firebase doesn’t have any built-in authentication mechanisms, so you would need to use another tool to provide authentication and authorization for your users.
Firebase is not as secure as other platforms. You are not able to encrypt email accounts or send individual messages using Firebase. You can also not restore exported user accounts or password-protected user accounts. Additionally, it is difficult to secure data in Firebase because you cannot export it, and you are not able to encrypt it. If your data is stolen, it is possible for someone else to access it using Firebase.
Final Thoughts
There are many alternatives to using Firebase for contexts, such as using a custom database or a public cloud service. Firebase is not always the best choice for certain applications due to its high overhead and limited features. Firebase is relatively new and may still have some issues that need to be addressed. Overall, Firebase is a powerful tool that can be used in various situations, but it should be used with caution due to its complexity and potential drawbacks. Several reasons you might decide not to use Firebase for contextual purposes. First, its data storage can be expensive. Second, it can be difficult to integrate with other platforms. And finally, it’s not always easy to find developers who are experts in this area. As you can see, there are many good reasons not to use Firebase. While it may have some advantages over other services, it also has its drawbacks. If you’re looking for full-featured Firebase alternatives that don’t require much setup or maintenance, consider choosing a different platform.