When comparing MongoDB and Firebase, while the data formats and methods may seem similar, the main use you plan to use them for makes all the difference. While MongoDB is most convincing in the area of big data, Firebase is particularly suitable for mobile applications.
Two powerful alternatives to the classic SQL solution
Instead of relying on traditional SQL databases, many users are increasingly turning to the NoSQL (“Not only SQL”) method. This abandons relational tables and offers the possibility of horizontally deploy databases in case of increasing data volume. Most NoSQL solutions opt for the document-oriented method and thus ensure the required flexibility. Here we present two of the most popular databases, which use these methods distinctly. We will examine the similarities and differences that distinguish these two solutions: MongoDB and Firebase.
MongoDB: the deployable NoSQL database
MongoDB is a deployable and highly flexible NoSQL database which is intended to allow the storage and management of large volumes of data. This data can be structured, semi-structured or unstructured and is stored in documents in BSON format (binary JSON format). MongoDB was developed in 2009 by Eliot Horowitz and was later released by MongoDB, Inc. (formerly 10gen) under the Server Side Public License (SSPL). For years, it has been one of the most popular and successful open source NoSQL databases in the world. It is written in C++.
Firebase: Google's solution for mobile applications
Firebase is a development platform created in 2011 by Andrew Lee and James Templin, then acquired by Google three years later. Its main objective is the development and management of mobile applications for Android, iOS and the web. This solution therefore provides the necessary tools and an infrastructure by means of which different functions can be made available on various platforms.
Firebase offers two database models : RealTime Database, the cloud-native NoSQL solution for real-time data logging and synchronization, and the Cloud Firestore Database for client- and server-side development. Comparing MongoDB and Firebase, it is worth mentioning right away that Firebase is not only a NoSQL database, but also an extended Backend-as-a-Service platform.
MongoDB vs Firebase: What are the services used for?
Both databases are perfectly versatile and can therefore be used for various purposes: MongoDB scores points in particular when you need a service that is primarily suited to large data volumes and therefore has the potential to evolve as requirements change. flexibility and horizontal deployment advocate for the NoSQL database. Since the system is document-oriented and schema-free, different types of data can be stored and called with little latency. Therefore, MongoDB is particularly suitable for the following areas:
- Content management
- E-commerce
- Other applications requiring individual configuration and in-depth real-time analysis
Just like MongoDB, Firebase also relies on the technique of Sharding. This allows large data sets to be automatically distributed across multiple servers in order to reduce the load on the one hand and, on the other hand, to take charge in the event of a failure. As a result, Firebase also handles large workloads almost effortlessly and can thus scale with them. However, this service is mainly focused on the area of mobile applications. The real-time synchronization and offline mode are valuable tools. Firebase is therefore a suitable solution for the following scenarios:
- Gaming applications
- Chat programs
- Social networks
IONOS Cloud Compute Engine
Medium and large companies choose Cloud Made in Germany. IaaS and PaaS from the hidden champion to the hidden champions.
Functioning
Comparing MongoDB and Firebase reveals some similarities: both are NoSQL services, both systems abandon rigid relational tables and can therefore offer flexible data structures. MongoDB stores data in the form of Binary JSON documents (BSON) and groups them into collections. Documents consist of key-value pairs, where the key is always a string of characters and the value must contain other documents, Boolean values, arrays or other file types. If you want to change the structure of such documents, you can easily remove or add fields. Fields can be searched using a text search. This means that collections remain clear even under heavy workloads.
Firebase also stores data in a format similar to JSON. In the RealTime Database, this is aggregated into a JSON tree while Cloud Firestore also relies on documents and collections in which clarity is guaranteed. As with MongoDB, these documents consist of key-value pairs, where the key is a string of characters and the value consists of completely different data types. The RealTime Database is intended for fast data entry and transformation. For Cloud Firestore, the data is stored long-term and can be called up later. In addition, this database contains an interface that uses a SQL-based query syntax.
Performances
Both options compared, MongoDB and Firebase, are characterized by excellent performance. Overall, however, MongoDB clearly comes out on top in this category. The service is ideally suited for big data and provides Fast and efficient queries for web applicationsof all types. Furthermore, performance can be further optimized, as the service can be used in the cloud or on-premises as needed.
With Firebase, the effectiveness depends mainly on how the data has been stored individually. The database is particularly convincing when it comes to making real-time data available for mobile applications. The service works quickly, even in offline mode. However, a problem arises when the volume of data is collected on a single site. If the load is distributed across multiple servers via Cloud Firestore, this also improves overall performance.
Compatibility
As an open source database with commercial support services, MongoDB not only offers compatibility with many cloud providers, but also works with servers based on Linux, macOS, Solaris or Windows. Even different frameworks, such as Angular or Django, as well as container platforms and runtimes, such as Docker or Node.js, are compatible with MongoDB. Furthermore, the database supports all major programming languages such as the following:
- VS
- VS#
- C++
- Dart
- Go
- Haskell
- Java
- JavaScript
- Perl
- PHP
- Python
- R
- Ruby
- Rust
In this respect, Firebase offers significantly fewer options. The developer tool works particularly well with other Google tools and platforms. In this ecosystem, Firebase has many advantages and, for example, ensures that the applications created are properly trained in terms of search engine optimization (SEO) and well positioned. However, the database is exclusively located in the Google Cloud, where migration to other environments is also complicated. In the context of this MongoDB vs. Firebase comparison, Firebase is compatible with significantly fewer programming languages. Only these languages are supported:
- Java
- JavaScript
- Objective-C
Security
In the field of security, the opponents of this MongoDB vs Firebase duel know how to convince us. Since both systems distribute the load across multiple servers, you can react quickly in the event of a breakdown and make the data available again immediately. In addition, MongoDB offers many security features for its proprietary versions. These include, among others:
- authorizations,
- encryptions,
- TLS/SSL protocols and
- Role Based Access Control.
Since access to Firebase is theoretically possible from any device, the corresponding security architecture must be optimally constructed. That is why the SSL protocol, authentications and security rules of Firebase define which users have access to the data.
Costs
The two solutions also differ in terms of pricing. As an open source service, MongoDB is in principle completely free. You can download the software and then use it locally or on your server. For more security features and full support, paid commercial solutions are worth considering, such as MongoDB Atlas.
Google's alternative offers the models Blaze And Spark. Spark provides a free quota and offers some free services. For more services and higher data usage, opt for the Blaze version. Billing is based on actual usage. The pricing system can seem a bit confusing at first.
Advice
We help you and your data: with the service Managed MongoDB From IONOS you not only benefit from outstanding support, but also from many useful security features.
MongoDB vs Firebase: These companies made a choice.
MongoDB vs Firebase: Many large enterprises have been faced with choosing a suitable solution and have ultimately opted for one of the two heavyweights.
Some of the most successful companies that have chosen MongoDB include:
- Adobe
- Amadeus
- AppScale
- Craftbase
- Disney
- Etsy
- Foursquare
- Lyft
- MTV
- The New York Times
- Via Varejo
Some of the most well-known companies that use Firebase include:
- Ali Baba
- Duolingo
- The Economist
- Instacart
- LaunchDarkly
- Lyft
- The New York Times
- NPR One
- Shazam
- Twitch
- Venmo