What is Firebase Realtime Database?
Firebase Realtime Database is a cloud-hosted NoSQL database that synchronizes data in real-time between clients. Changes are immediately pushed to all connected devices. The database also works offline and automatically synchronizes when reconnected.
Core Features
- Real-time synchronization between all clients
- Offline persistence with automatic synchronization
- JSON-based data model
- Security Rules for granular access control
- SDKs for iOS, Android, web, and additional platforms
- REST API for server integration
Typical Use Cases
Chat Applications: Messages are pushed to all participants in real-time. Messages written offline are automatically sent when connected.
Collaborative Tools: Whiteboard apps, shared documents, or multiplayer games use Realtime Database for real-time collaboration.
Live Dashboards: Monitoring displays automatically update when backend data changes.
Benefits
- Millisecond latency for real-time updates
- Built-in offline support
- No server logic required for synchronization
- Scales automatically
Integration with innFactory
As a Google Cloud Partner, innFactory supports you with Firebase Realtime Database: data model design, security rules implementation, and optimization of real-time synchronization.
Available Tiers & Options
Spark (Free)
- 1 GB storage free
- 100 simultaneous connections
- Limited capacity
- No multi-region
Blaze (Pay-per-use)
- Unlimited storage
- Unlimited connections
- Costs with high usage
Typical Use Cases
Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Realtime Database and Firestore?
Realtime Database stores data as a JSON tree and offers very low latencies. Firestore is the newer database with document-based structure, better queries, and automatic scaling.
When should I use Realtime Database instead of Firestore?
Realtime Database is suitable for applications with very frequent, small updates (like cursor positions) or when extremely low latencies are more important than complex queries.
Does Realtime Database work offline?
Yes, the SDK caches data locally. Changes are stored and automatically synchronized when the connection is restored.
How secure is Realtime Database?
Security Rules enable granular access controls based on authentication and data paths. The connection is encrypted by default.
