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Firebase Realtime Database vs Cloud Firestore

How to choose the right database in Firebase

Updated
2 min read
Firebase Realtime Database vs Cloud Firestore
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I am a Software Engineer with 3+ years of experience, currently at P360. I have a passion for creating intuitive web interfaces and actively contribute to tech communities as the Organizer of GDG Siliguri, ex-Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador, and former Hack Club Lead. As a tech speaker, I’ve presented at events like FrontendDays Siliguri, GDG Bhopal, and Azure DevDay. I’m also passionate about hackathons and open-source: Smart India Hackathon 2020 winner, HacktoberFest contributor, and mentor to the winning team of SIH 2022.

Introduction

For the last couple of years, I am using Firebase extensively in my personal projects. One of the most difficult choice is to make between Firebase Real-time Database vs Cloud Firestore. After using both of them here are some of the key points I found which can help you to choose between both of the storage options -

When to use Realtime Database?

  • Firebase Realtime Database is great for apps that need data to sync in real time across users and have relatively simple data models.

  • Realtime Database works well for projects on a budget that require high real-time functionality.

  • It's a good fit for small to medium-sized apps where complex queries and scaling aren't major concerns.

When to use Cloud Firestore ?

  • Cloud Firestore is a better choice for larger apps that need strong data modeling and advanced querying.

  • It's perfect for apps with complex, hierarchical data structures that need to be queried in multiple ways.

  • Cloud Firestore is suitable for high-performance, scalable apps, especially those with global audiences and extensive data operations.

Summary

To sum it up, Firebase Realtime Database is best for simple real-time apps with less complex data or budget considerations. On the other hand, Cloud Firestore is the better option if your app needs advanced querying, more complex data structures, and better scalability. If you like this blog and you want to learn more about Frontend Development and Software Engineering you can follow me on hashnode.

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Debajit Mallick's Blog

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I am a Software Engineer with 2+ years of experience. Currently, I am working at P360 as a Software Engineer. My expertise is in Frontend Web Development.

I am very active in technical communities. I am the Organizer of GDG Siliguri, Ex β-MLSA, Ex Hack Club Lead, and Ex GSSOC Ambassador.

Also, I am a Tech Speaker too. I have given technical talks at many events like FrontendDays Siliguri, GDG Bhopal, GDSC WOW KOLKATA, JWOC, Azure Devday, Hack Club SIT, GirlScript Siliguri, GDSC SIT, Codecademy Frontend Marathon and many more.

I also like to participate in Hackathons and Open Source events. I won the Smart India Hackathon 2020 and contributed to HacktoberFest 2019, HacktoberFest 2020, JWOC and GWOC. Also, I mentored a team for Smart India Hackathon 2022 that later won the Hackathon.