Best backends for Bubble: Firebase vs Supabase vs Xano

‍What is Bubble?

Bubble is a comprehensive no-code software, which has become a valuable ally for those in the no-code app creation world. Bubble allows creators to develop detailed web and mobile applications without the need for deep code knowledge. It combines the ease of a visual and friendly language with a web development framework. 

Creating no-code products provides users the alternative to use these creation tools to obtain unique applications, modify databases and processes, add several page components, such as images, text, input forms, maps, and design their interfaces in a customized way. Bubble also includes a comprehensive marketplace, where users are offered a wide variety of templates, plugins, and services to help them build enhanced products.

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Bubble.io target audience

Bubble presents a medium to high learning curve, but at the same time is a user-friendly platform that accelerates web development. This allows incipient businesses or startups to choose Bubble to develop their no-code MVP. Impulsing startups and entrepreneurs to start from here is a great way to avoid the risk of investing a significant amount of time and resources in developing a product that may not meet the needs of your target audience. Bubble is also aimed for medium-sized businesses, for example, companies with a trajectory that seek to create internal apps, websites, tools, or custom software efficiently, without having to invest time, money, and resources in hiring a time of code developers.

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Limitations of Bubble's built-in database

Bubble uses a cloud-based database to store and handle data. This database provides scalability and can handle large amounts of data. The platform provides various data management features, such as data types, workflows, and database queries, which allow users to efficiently handle and manipulate data. However, it's crucial to remember that the size and complexity of the database can impact Bubble's performance. Large-scale projects with extensive data requirements may require additional optimization and customization. 

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Importance of external backends

As we have pointed out, Bubble offers users and businesses with a built-in database that is adequate for an early-stage business. But, businesses will struggle if they intend to scale. That is why Bubble offers a wide range of integrations with third-party services and APIs. These integrations allow users to extend the functionality of their applications and connect with external systems. 

By integrating an external backend with Bubble, users obtain a visual relational database, user management, high security, highly-scalable serverless hosting, and more. If the user's aim is to build a large and successful app, then the product needs to be more complex than present a captivating interface. The impact that the support backends will have on servers, data storage, and user management is significant. When businesses have the ability to manipulate external backends, they can create sophisticated applications that can grow and evolve, providing the desirable foundation for stability, security, and scalability.

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This article will examine Xano, Supabase, and Firebase as potential external backend options for integration with Bubble.

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Understanding your project needs

The first thing to consider before choosing between Xano, Supabase, and Firebase as external backend options to integrate with your Bubble product, is to understand what are your project needs. Your product's requirements will determine the level of scalability, security, and complexity you need to achieve.

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Key factors 

• Scalability
  The main point why users choose to integrate a backend service to their Bubble product is because of growth. Once businesses start to evolve into handling larger volumes of users and data, they will need a backend that can handle those increasing loads of data and users for its own performance. 

• Security
  This is a key factor when it comes to building products that handle particularly sensitive amounts of users data, such as personal and payment information. Some businesses may need to integrate a backend that provides data encryption, reinforced authentication steps, and compliance with security regulations like GDPR. 

• Cost
  When assessing what backend service to choose from, the cost can vary depending on the backend services used. Understanding the cost implications is crucial, especially if you are in the early stages of development or scaling your app. For simple apps with minimal backend needs, Bubble's built-in data storage may suffice. 

• Real-time requirements
  There are some products that are built with real-time updates requirements, such as chat apps or live dashboards. In that case, the backend should support real-time data syncing. 

• Data complexity
  The structure and nature of the data users manage will require what type of backend is best suited. If users' products build and maintain complex relationships between entities, then they will benefit from integrating a backend that supports that integration. 

• Team expertise
  The technical expertise of the building team will play a significant role in backend selection. For teams with limited coding knowledge, no-code backend platforms like Xano may be more suitable. However, if the user team is integrated by code-knowledge developers, then you could pick a more complex backend solution. 

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Types of Bubble apps and suitable backend options

Choosing the right backend to integrate to a Bubble app depends mostly on what is the type of application and which are its specific needs. In the previous section, we have analyzed what are the project's key features to consider when selecting the specific backend option. In the following section, we’ll assess the types of apps users can build and enhance with Bubble, and recommend the preferred backend options, among Xano, Supabase, and Firebase, based on their unique requirements.

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E-commerce apps

If a user has created a comprehensive online store with features, such as product listings, shopping carts, secure payment gateways, and streamlined order management on Bubble, it’s probable that creators require strong user management, real-time inventory updates, payment integration, and secure storage for customer data. These apps often deal with high transaction volumes and need high security features to protect sensitive information like payment and personal details from users.

Backend options:

• Xano: Offers powerful database management and API handling, ideal for processing a large number of transactions. With serverless hosting and scalable infrastructure, it’s well-suited for managing inventory updates and handling real-time order processing.
• Firebase: Firebase's real-time database allows for seamless syncing of inventory and sales data, making it a good fit for e-commerce platforms needing quick updates. Firebase Authentication also simplifies secure user sign-ins and data protection.
• Supabase: For apps requiring a relational database and high scalability, Supabase provides a PostgreSQL-based solution with built-in security features. It is particularly useful for managing product catalogs and storing large datasets related to customer orders.

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Social media apps

Social media platforms require real-time interactions, complex user management, media uploads, and scalable databases to accommodate growing user bases. These apps also need real-time notifications and messaging features.

Backend options:

• Firebase: Firebase is an excellent choice for social media apps due to its real-time database and Firestore, which enables real-time messaging, notifications, and updates across users. Firebase's storage solutions also support large media uploads such as photos and videos.
• Xano: For those seeking a highly customizable backend, Xano offers a flexible API-first approach that allows for complex user interactions and personalized feeds. Xano can scale effortlessly as the user base grows.
• Supabase: Supabase provides a scalable, open-source relational database with excellent real-time functionality. Its simplicity makes it a great choice for user authentication, handling real-time comments or likes, and managing social graphs.

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Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Apps

CRM apps on Bubble often manage large volumes of client data, communications, and analytics. These apps require reliable data storage, secure authentication, and a backend that supports advanced filtering and sorting of client information.

Backend Options:

• Xano: With its API-driven approach and strong database capabilities, Xano is a solid choice for CRM apps, especially those that need to handle complex relational data and offer custom reports or analytics. Xano's flexibility allows for deep customization of CRM workflows.
• Supabase: For CRM systems that require a relational database to manage customer information and sales pipelines, Supabase’s PostgreSQL base is ideal. Its authentication and storage services ensure data is secure and easily accessible.
• Firebase: Firebase can handle smaller CRM systems where real-time data updates are important, such as for tracking leads and customer communications. Its Firestore database allows for easy synchronization across teams, making collaboration smoother.

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Marketplace Apps

Marketplace apps, which connect buyers and sellers, need robust user management, secure payment handling, and the ability to support listings, reviews, and messaging between users.

Backend Options:

• Xano: For marketplaces that require extensive API integrations and custom workflows for handling listings, transactions, and user interactions, Xano provides a flexible, scalable solution. Its ability to connect to third-party services makes it great for supporting complex marketplace operations.
• Supabase: Supabase is a strong choice for marketplace apps needing relational databases to manage listings, reviews, and user profiles. It provides strong user authentication and can handle high volumes of transactions efficiently.
• Firebase: Firebase works well for marketplaces that require real-time updates, such as new listings or notifications between buyers and sellers. Firebase’s cloud storage is also useful for managing user-uploaded content like product images or documents.

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SaaS Apps

SaaS (Software as a Service) apps built on Bubble often need high-performance backends to manage user subscriptions, product features, and user data across multiple clients. Security and scalability are critical for SaaS platforms.

Backend Options:

• Xano: Xano’s API-driven backend is ideal for SaaS applications that need customized workflows, secure user management, and easy integration with other services. It offers powerful tools for scaling as the app grows in popularity.
• Supabase: With its robust relational database and simple user authentication, Supabase is a good fit for SaaS apps that need reliable data management and secure user accounts. Its open-source nature allows for flexibility in developing new features as the app evolves.
• Firebase: Firebase offers scalability and real-time database features, making it suitable for SaaS apps that need to support a large number of users and provide instant updates across the platform. Firebase’s authentication and serverless features can simplify backend management for SaaS providers.

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Xano

Core features relevant to Bubble

Xano is a backend as a service (BaaS) platform that simplifies the process of building and managing application infrastructure. It provides developers with a comprehensive set of tools and services to handle backend functionalities, such as user authentication, database management, and serverless functions. Xano allows developers to focus on writing code and delivering high-quality applications. Let’s assess its core features and how they are relevant to Bubble apps:

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Database structure

Xano's relational database can be used to extend Bubble's data capabilities. By connecting Xano to Bubble, you can:

• Create more complex data models.
• Offload data-intensive operations to Xano, potentially improving your Bubble app's performance.
• Use Xano as a centralized database for multiple Bubble applications, ensuring data consistency across different apps.

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API builder for custom endpoints 

Xano's API builder allows you to create custom endpoints that can be consumed by the user's Bubble application. This integration allows to:

• Extend Bubble's functionality by implementing complex business logic in Xano and exposing it via API.
• Create middleware that connects Bubble to external services or legacy systems.
• Optimize performance by offloading resource-intensive operations to Xano's backend.

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Authentication

Xano's authentication system can be integrated with Bubble to enhance security and user management:

• Use Xano as an authentication provider for your Bubble app, allowing for more advanced and complex authentication factors.
• Implement single sign-on (SSO) across multiple Bubble applications using Xano as a centralized service.
• Xano's auth system allows users to secure API endpoints that Bubble app consumes, ensuring that only authenticated users can access sensitive data or processes.

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Pros

Time-saving

Xano simplifies backend development, allowing developers to build applications faster.

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Backend abilities

 Xano provides a more robust and scalable backend infrastructure, which can complement Bubble's frontend strengths.

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Scalability

The flexibility to scale resources ensures that your application can handle increasing traffic and demand.

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Security

Xano provides additional security features and control over personal data, which enhances the overall security of your app.

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User-friendly interface

The intuitive interface of Xano makes it accessible to developers of all skill levels.

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Smooth workflow

When using Xano for your Bubble app, you can divide the backend and the frontend operations, which makes the workflow even smoother. It makes it easier for the team to manage tasks and solve problems.

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Cons

Dependency

Using a BaaS platform like Xano means entrusting your infrastructure to a third-party provider.

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Learning curve

While Xano aims to be accessible, there may still be a learning curve for developers unfamiliar with backend development. But this learning curve can easily be solved, and it’s the most user-friendly platform out of our three candidates. 

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Customization limitations

Although Xano offers a range of features, some complex applications may require custom solutions that may not be supported out of the box.

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Uploading limitations

Users won’t be able to upload files through the Xano Connector.

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Performance and scalability

As we have assessed, Xano is capable of handling increasing loads and data volumes due to the capacity of its architecture and features. The platform uses a proprietary database system that's optimized for scalability and performance. This system provides a solid foundation for applications built on the platform. In this sense, users should have in mind that while Xano is designed to handle increasing loads and data volumes, achieving optimal performance at scale still requires thoughtful application design and regular monitoring. Developers should pay attention to database schema design, API endpoint efficiency, and overall application architecture to fully leverage Xano's scalability features.

One of Xano's key strengths in managing scale is its automatic scaling capabilities. The platform is designed to dynamically allocate resources based on the current demand, allowing applications to smoothly handle sudden spikes in traffic or gradual increases in user base. This is particularly beneficial for developers who may not have the expertise or resources to manually manage complex scaling operations. Also, Xano's API management system is another factor in its ability to handle scale. It's built to efficiently route and process a high volume of API calls, which is crucial for applications experiencing growth in user interactions. 

The platform also offers analytics and monitoring tools that provide developers with insights into their application's performance and resource usage. This allows for proactive optimization and scaling decisions as an application grows. While Xano offers many automatic scaling features, these tools enable developers to enhance their applications for optimal performance at scale.

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Cost

Xano offers both yearly and monthly plans. It also provides users with a free option, their Build Plan, which allows them to try out the platform. This option only allows users to build apps for personal use, not for business. If you want to learn more about Xano’s pricing plans, you can do it here!

Integration with Bubble

Step 1: Import the specific data from Bubble to Xano

To get started with this integration, the first step is to import the users data from Bubble into Xano. There are two methods to do this smoothly:

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Method 1: Import CSV 

• Access the “Data” tab within Bubble and select the data set you want to export.
• Choose the "Export" option and select "CSV" as the export format.
• Then, go to Xano, access the "Database" tab and click "Add Table."
• Select the "Import" option and either drag and drop or browse for the CSV file you exported from Bubble.
• If you need to, review and customize the table schema, and then click "Upload" to import the data.

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Method 2: Bubble Data API

We recommend using this method when handling larger data sets and, since it will allow you to build an automated flow when importing data from Bubble to Xano. Let’s review the steps to follow:

• In Bubble, authorize the "Data API" under the "Settings" tab and copy the provided API root URL.
• In Xano, create a new API endpoint or function.
• Connect an "External API Request" function and paste the Bubble Data API root URL, and then the specific data set you want to import (e.g., `/companies`).
• Create a new table in Xano with the appropriate schema to match the data set you're importing.
• Use a "For Each" loop to iterate through the API response and connect the data to the correlative fields in your Xano table using the "Add Record" feature.
• This last step is optional, but you can convert the API endpoint to a function and schedule it as a background task in Xano to run periodically, ensuring your data stays synchronized.

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Step 2: Connecting Xano's API to Bubble

After conducting the process of moving your data to Xano, you will be able to connect Xano's API to Bubble, enabling seamless communication between the two platforms. Let’s review the steps to follow of this second and last step:

• First, install the "API Connector" plugin in Bubble.
• Add a new API and name it (e.g., "Xano").
• In Xano, copy the endpoint URL for the API you want to connect (e.g., `GET /companies` or `POST /companies`).
• In Bubble's API Connector, paste the copied URL and arrange any necessary headers or parameters.
• For `POST` requests, provide the request body with dynamic values mapped to the corresponding fields in your Xano data model.
• Save your changes, and then you are ready to start using Xano's API within your Bubble workflows and front-end logic.

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Xano vs Supabase

Bubble, chosen for its flexibility as a no-code development platform, seamlessly integrates with both Xano and Supabase, offering developers two powerful backend solutions. Each option has its own strengths, but the choice will depend on your needs:

Xano

• Provides a no-code API solution, simplifying data manipulation for Bubble users
• Offers intuitive visual tools for creating and managing databases
• Excels in rapid prototyping and MVP development
• Features built-in authentication and file storage capabilities

Supabase

• Delivers instant APIs and a robust Postgres database
• Provides real-time subscriptions and powerful querying options
• Offers more advanced features like row-level security and full-text search
• Supports multiple programming languages beyond just no-code platforms

Xano may be more approachable for those newer to backend development, while Supabase offers a more technical but extremely powerful solution for experienced developers with database management.

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Xano vs Firebase

Xano

• Provides a no-code API builder, making it highly accessible for Bubble users
• Offers a visual interface for database management, aligning well with Bubble's no-code philosophy
• Excels in rapid prototyping and quick MVP development
• Features built-in authentication and file storage capabilities
• Provides seamless integration with Bubble through its API-first approach

Firebase

• Offers a comprehensive suite of tools including real-time database, authentication, and cloud functions
• Provides robust scalability, backed by Google's infrastructure
• Includes advanced features like real-time synchronization and offline support
• Offers a generous free tier, making it cost-effective for smaller projects
• Supports multiple platforms beyond web, useful for potential mobile app expansion

At LowCode Agency, we are always available to help you with the process of integrating your Bubble app with Xano. Book a call with us to start crafting your dream app!

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Supabase

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Core features relevant to Bubble

Supabase is an open-source Firebase alternative, but instead of being built around a document-based datastore, it offers a relational database management system called PostgreSQL. As being a Firebase alternative, it shares some features with it, such as authentication, real-time database, and storage. However, as it is an open-source alternative, Supabase provides better and greater flexibility, and control over your data and applications.

If you are thinking about integrating Supabase with you Bubble app, let’s assess its core features and how they are relevant to your Bubble app:

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PostgreSQL database

Supabase provides a fully managed PostgreSQL database, which can be used as an external database for Bubble applications, allowing for more complex data structures and queries than Bubble's built-in database.

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Real-time modifications

Supabase offers real-time features, which allows for conducting instant updates when any significant part of the data changes. This can be an advantage when integrating Supabase to Bubble since it can be handled to create Bubble applications that update in real-time without requiring page refreshes.

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Authentication

Supabase provides built-in authentication services.This can be integrated with Bubble to handle user sign-ups, logins, and session management, potentially offering more advanced auth features than Bubble's native system.

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Storage

Supabase includes object storage functionality. This can be used to store and serve files (like images, documents, etc.) for Bubble applications, potentially offering more flexibility or cost-effectiveness than Bubble's built-in storage.

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REST API

Supabase automatically generates RESTful APIs for your database. This makes it easy to connect Bubble to your Supabase data using Bubble's API Connector or custom API calls.

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To integrate these features, you'd typically use Bubble's API Connector or JavaScript actions to interact with Supabase's APIs. The specific implementation would depend on your exact requirements and the features you want to leverage.

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Pros

• Real-time database

Supabase offers real-time capabilities, allowing for instant updates.

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• SQL support

Supabase offers a full PostgreSQL database, providing powerful querying options.

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• Authentication

Built-in auth system, simplifying user management.

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• Open-source

This offers more customizable and potentially cost-effective for large-scale projects.

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• API auto-generation

Saves time in backend development.

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Cons

• Learning curve

To establish a difference with Xano, Supabase’s learning curve is steeper, since it requires SQL knowledge to be able to set up DB and RLS policies correctly. 

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• Integration complexity

In Supabase any logic has to be done using code.

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• UI Issues

The UI presents an unrefined appearance and functionality, and issues may present within a short usage period.

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Performance and scalability

As we have reviewed, Supabase is designed to handle increasing loads and data volumes. Supabase is built on PostgreSQL, a strengthened and scalable open-source relational database system. PostgreSQL has strong capabilities for handling large data volumes and concurrent users, providing a solid foundation for Supabase's scalability. When assessing scalability, we should go through the platform’s horizontal scaling. This is, the ability to support adding more read replicas to distribute query load across multiple servers, which can significantly improve performance for read-heavy workloads. This is complemented by Supabase's use of PgBouncer for connection pooling, efficiently managing a large number of concurrent database connections.

To further enhance performance, Supabase implements various caching mechanisms, including Row Level Security (RLS) policy caching. This can reduce database load for frequently accessed data. Additionally, Supabase provides tools like PostgREST that automatically generate optimized SQL queries, helping to maintain performance as data volumes grow. It’s important to highlight that optimal performance at scale often requires careful database design, query optimization, and potentially some application-level optimizations.

Supabase's real time features are another factor in its ability to handle scale. These features use PostgreSQL's native replication system, which is designed to handle large-scale data changes efficiently. For users on Supabase's hosted platform, much of the scaling and optimization is handled behind the scenes, with automatic resource upgrades as needed.

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Cost

Supabase offers four pricing plan options, starting from a free package to a large, customized enterprise tier. The free option supports simple websites, which allow up to 50,000 monthly active users. If you want to learn more about Supabase’s pricing plans, you can do it here!

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Integration with Bubble

There are two ways to integrate Supabase to Bubble: The first one consists in creating API calls directly on Bubble’s API Connector. The second option is installing the plugin. 

After you install the plugin, users have to fill out some basic data in order to connect to Supabase. The correct values can be obtained on the “Setting” section of the Supabase Dashboard, then click on the API tab.

After that first step is done, the second step is filling out both Public Keys in the plugin setting. This is an essential step for the integration to work properly. Once the page is correctly loaded, the Plugin will create a new “Client”, so that it can communicate with Supabase. This process will be executed for each element on the page, which is needed in order to create the API calls to Supabase for every process. The Project ID and the Anon Key will be pre-generated by Supabase when you create your project.

In order to create the Supabase URL, a RESTful endpoint will be created for querying and managing your database, which you can find in the API tab of your Supabase project Settings. Your Supabase Key, which is needed to be sent with every API request, and it's used to determine "anonymous" access to your Database based on RLS. You can find it in the “API tab” of your Supabase project Settings. The anon key is a JSON Web Token in itself, which will be used by Supabase to determine which data can the user access when they're not authenticated.

After these two steps, users will be able to use Supabase functions in their Bubble workflows. This includes operations like inserting, updating, or querying data. The creation of tables in Supabase that match your Bubble data structure, and the use of e Supabase as your backend database instead of Bubble's built-in database, is now possible. 

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Firebase

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Core features relevant to Bubble

Google developed Firebase as a comprehensive toolkit for building web and mobile applications. The platform offers several features relevant to Bubble, including realtime Database, Cloud Firestore, authentication, and Cloud Functions. The realtime database provides a NoSQL cloud database that synchronizes data in real-time across clients and supports offline functionality for mobile apps. Cloud Firestore offers more advanced querying capabilities and is designed for easier scaling. Firebase authentication supports multiple login methods, integrates seamlessly with other Firebase services, and handles user sessions and security. Cloud Functions, a serverless computing platform, allows developers to run backend code in response to events or HTTP requests, integrating with other Firebase and Google Cloud services. 

These features could potentially enhance Bubble's capabilities in areas such as real-time data synchronization, user authentication, and serverless backend logic, offering developers additional tools to create robust and scalable applications.

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Pros

• Database capacities

Firebase provides database options, which includes Firestore and Firestore’s Realtime Database. It provides developers with serverless application development and cloud media storage through its integrated Cloud Functions.

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• Security

Firebase manages backup procedures efficiently, so you won’t need to worry about handling data loss. Firebase server has enhanced security to ensure your data is protected by making backups regularly. 

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• Development

The development of apps is easier and faster with database options of using Firestore and Firestore Realtime Database. Additionally, Firebase offers different resources to create and enhance every step of the app development, such as its creation, deploying, and monitoring.

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• Google support

As being a Google’s toolkit, Firebase benefits from Google Cloud and other Google tools and platforms that can help enhance the app development project.

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Cons

• Closed source platform

Due to its closed-source architecture, Firebase doesn’t allow developers to have full control over the platform when building an app. This means that they won’t be able to modify Firebase’s code.

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• No SQL database support

Firebase offers two databases, which are both NoSQL databases. This means that Firebase and Realtime databases cannot support relational database structures.

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• Limited to Google Cloud

As Firebase is a Google toolkit, its infrastructure uses Google Cloud. Users who choose Firebase won’t be able to run on other cloud providers. 

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Performance and scalability

Firebase performance and scalability strengths lie in its real-time database and Cloud Firestore, which efficiently handle concurrent connections and high volumes of reads and writes. Firebase Cloud functions automatically scale based on demand, while its hosting uses a global CDN for quick content delivery. The platform's authentication system can manage millions of users, and its analytics are designed to process large data volumes. However, optimal performance often requires careful data structuring, especially for the real-time database. Some complex queries might be challenging, potentially impacting performance at scale. While Firebase can handle significant scale for many application types, particularly those benefiting from real-time updates, costs can increase substantially with high usage. Large-scale data migration can be challenging, and applications requiring many complex transactions might face limitations compared to traditional relational databases. 

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Cost

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Firebase offers a database-centric architecture, which means that as users scale their business to handle a larger number of simultaneous connections and real-time messaging between them , they will need to increase the database storage capacity. Firebase presents unwarranted rises in data storage expenses, since every modification that users perform into the database is disseminated to connected clients. Here is where users are encouraged to store every event that needs to be streamed to your users. The free plan offers only basic features that lack the advanced functions that simplify all development tasks. 

If you want to learn more about Xano’s pricing plans, you can do it here!

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Integration with Bubble

The first step to perform the integration is to create your Firebase project. So once you have created your account, you can start creating your project. Then, users need to set up their realtime database in Firebase. You can access that feature in the “Develop” section in the left menu. Choose the realtime database for a serverless NoSQL database. Click on Create Database in the real-time database section. Then, select a location for your Cloud Firestore. Take into consideration that this location would be used for all Firestore databases in your Firebase project.

After setting up a real-time database, click “Project Settings” and choose Service Accounts. Then, select Generate New Private Key, and confirm the prompt. A JSON file would be downloaded. Then, users are ready to access their Bubble account, or sign up if they don’t have one yet. From your user dashboard, click on New App, name it, check the boxes, and Create New App. Open your new app on your Bubble dashboard, and click on Plugins in the left sidebar. On the plugins page, click on Add Plugins, search and install the Firebase plugin by Zeroqode. After adding the plugin,  update the Api Key as private_key from the JSON file. Set Firebase url, where PROJECT_ID is also taken from the downloaded JSON file. Set Firebase User Email as client_email from the JSON file. Then, save the changes.

Finally, the Firebase plugin is configured and ready to be used in your Bubble app. Don’t forget to test all of its features to make sure the integration is working as expected.

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Choosing the right backend

When choosing the right backend for your Bubble project, consider your specific needs and project requirements. As we have reviewed through this article, some key features to take into consideration when making the final decision are: scalability, data complexity and structure, real-time update needs, the team's technical expertise, integration capabilities, cost and pricing models that adjust to your preferences.

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As we have reviewed through this article:

• Xano stands out with its user-friendly, no-code API builder and visual database management tools, making it an excellent choice for rapid prototyping and MVP development. Consider factors such as scalability needs, data complexity, real-time requirements, and your team's technical expertise. For projects prioritizing ease of use and quick development, Xano may be the best fit. 
• Supabase offers a robust PostgreSQL database with real-time features, providing powerful querying options and flexibility for developers familiar with SQL. If you need advanced database features and are comfortable with SQL, Supabase could be ideal.
• Firebase excels in real-time capabilities and is backed by Google's infrastructure, making it ideal for applications requiring instant updates and scalability. For applications requiring real-time synchronization and Google ecosystem integration, Firebase might be the right choice.

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Ultimately, the decision should align with your project's specific requirements, budget constraints, and long-term scalability goals.

To further assist in your decision-making process, consider creating a simple flowchart:

1. Assess your project's primary requirements (e.g., real-time needs, data complexity, scalability)
2. Follow the path that aligns with your priorities
3. Reach the most suitable backend recommendation

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By evaluating these factors and using this guide, you can select the backend that best fits your Bubble project's needs and your development preferences.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right backend for your Bubble application is essential for ensuring optimal performance, scalability, and functionality. We have offered and explored three powerful options: Xano, Supabase, and Firebase, and as we have seen in the previous section, each offers unique strengths and features that cater to different project needs. There’s no perfect solution, but each of them present its strengths, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific project requirements and long-term goals.

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So, the right backend will enhance your Bubble application to reach its full potential, offering the right infrastructure to support your app’s growth and success. 

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You have a vision, we have the technical expertise to make it a reality. Book a free discovery call to get started now! We’ll guide you through the process of choosing the right backend option for you.

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FAQs

Can I switch backends after I've already built my Bubble app?

Yes, it's possible to switch backends once your Bubble app is built, but it can be a complex process. You'll need to migrate your data, update your API connections, and modify your app's logic to work with the new backend. It's generally easier to switch earlier in the development process, so carefully consider your backend choice from the start. If you anticipate needing to switch later, design your app with modularity in mind to make the transition smoother.

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How do these backend options affect my app's performance?

The backend you choose can significantly impact your app's performance, especially as it scales. Xano offers good performance for most applications and excels in rapid development scenarios. Supabase, with its PostgreSQL foundation, can handle complex queries efficiently, making it suitable for data-intensive applications. Firebase's real-time database can provide excellent performance for apps requiring instant updates. However, optimal performance also depends on how well you structure your data and queries, regardless of the backend you choose.

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Do I need coding skills to use these backend options with Bubble?

The level of coding skills required varies among these options. Xano is designed to be no-code friendly, making it accessible even if you have limited coding experience. Supabase requires some understanding of SQL for optimal use. Firebase can be used with minimal coding knowledge, but more complex implementations may require JavaScript skills. Remember, while Bubble itself is a no-code platform, integrating external backends may involve some level of coding or understanding of APIs.

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How do costs compare among Xano, Supabase, and Firebase as my app scales?

Cost structures differ among these backends and can vary significantly as your app scales. Xano offers predictable pricing based on API calls and database size. Supabase pricing is tied to database size and compute resources. Firebase starts with a generous free tier but can become costly as usage increases, especially for real-time database operations. It's crucial to estimate your app's growth and calculate potential costs using each provider's pricing calculator. Consider factors like number of users, database size, and frequency of real-time updates when projecting costs.