Every mobile or web application that we use has a frontend and a backend. The frontend is relatively simple and is the one we see while using the application. But for the effective running and programming of any app, there is an extensive backend managed at the developer side.
Creating a complete backend is not an easy or simple task. It takes a lot of effort and time—the developers take third-party services to save themselves time and money.
Table of Contents
WHAT IS BaaS
A BaaS provides the developers with automated backend side development and handles the cloud infrastructure for the app. In simpler words, it covers all behind-the-scenes functions for the running and performance of any app. And the developers outsource this responsibility to a third-party service provider.
5 KEY FEATURES OF BaaS
With BaaS, a developer gets a set of pre-written instructions that handle different functions of the app. Different providers of BaaS include different features in their service. Here we have enlisted the five most common features included in the backend as a service.
1. PUSH NOTIFICATIONS
Today, push notifications are an essential element of any application, and they notify the users about any new features and added content in the app. Some apps also notify the users of any immediate action that they need to take.
2. SOCIAL INTEGRATION
Social connection is the most demanded function in apps today. Users tend to connect all of their apps as it allows easy integration and usage.
3. SEARCH
Almost every other app has a search feature in it. It is the most important to the users as they want more content discovery options on every app. Most of the BaaS providers add this feature to their service.
4. VISUAL DEVELOPMENT
Visual control for the developers is essential. It ensures the best frontend visuals for the users. Any visual is the first thing the user comes in contact with when opens the app.
5. CLOUD-BASED DATA STORAGE
Cloud-based data storage is the most important feature of BaaS. It helps the developers access, read, modify or delete data in the cloud without depending on local databases. Editing or modifying this data can enable push notifications.
DRAWBACKS OF BaaS
BaaS is widely used in the world today and has a lot of benefits for developers. It saves a lot of hassle, time, and money as well. But alongside these benefits, there are some drawbacks as well.
- Migrating the app’scode is not easy with Baas. Since the front and backend are connected, migrating them to a new platform can be quite a task. For this purpose, the developers might need to create the connections all over again.
- Vendor lock-in is another problem that occurs with BaaS integration.
BOTTOM LINE!
Many companies like Parse, Firebase, Back4App are creating these backend services for the developers, so they only have to work on the frontend. These services are getting more and more popular with every passing day.
If you are a new developer and are not familiar with the details of what goes on the backend of an app, you should opt for any of the trusted BaaS providers and invest your time developing the frontend of your app.
