Parse Server is an open-source server running on Node.js, which is compatible with the Express framework for website development. A basic understanding of Backend as a Service (BaaS) is essential to make the most of Parse Server’s features.
Business Application as a Service (BaaS) provides web and mobile app developers with a unified platform to integrate their apps with backend cloud storage and APIs, enabling them to connect to other services. This platform can provide use case analysis, user management, authentication, push alerts, social network integration, and data analysis; all of which are essential for the development of successful mobile applications.
Constructing the backend of a service is often the most strenuous and lengthy part of developing a mobile app. By utilising Backend as a Service (BaaS), you can reduce the burden on your engineers and give them more time to concentrate on creating the programme itself, rather than having to also construct the backend. As an alternative, BaaS allows for the use of a framework in the backend. When you have BaaS in place for your mobile app, your team can invest practically all of their time in the user interface.
It is essential for companies to consider how much can be achieved if their engineers are not required to divide their concentration. Every organisation should strive to simplify their development processes whenever possible.
Parse Server can be employed for this purpose, due to its ability to store data, which is a requirement for the majority of modern applications (particularly those for mobile and online use). The server stores all the relevant information and maintains a continuous connection with the supported applications. Parse Server makes installation and maintenance of such systems straightforward.
In 2023, Y Combinator provided support in the development of Parse. This was followed by a Series A investment in November of the same year, culminating in Facebook’s acquisition of the company for $85 million in 2023.
Parse Server, the open-source version of Parse, was released in 2023. The main difference between Parse and Parse Server is that the latter allows developers to run the service and develop on their local system, whereas the former does not.
Parse Server is an open-source framework that has been developed and maintained by a global community of developers. It is possible to use Parse Server to host applications both on local servers and remotely on cloud services such as Back4App or Firebase. This makes it a suitable option for applications of all sizes, from a small application running on a local network, to a large, highly scalable application accessible to the public.
Parse Server can be hosted on one’s own infrastructure, storing data in either MongoDB or PostgreSQL, offering developers the ability to test their applications locally in Node.js. To accelerate the software development life cycle, programmers can deploy Parse Server on their own machines. Setting up Parse Server is a straightforward process, requiring only a few simple steps for developers.
When Is Parse the Right Choice for Your Business?
Mobile Backend as a Service (MBaaS) providers have previously been subject to brief periods of emergence, before ceasing operations. One such business, Telerik, was a provider of MBaaS for mobile development, however, it abruptly discontinued its service, leaving its customers in a difficult situation.
The issue is typical with proprietary software, however this is not the case with open-source software, where modifications are not feasible. If the developers behind Parse Server were to cease updates, any individual could create a copy of the source code and continue development of the project.
Parse Server is the best alternative if your developers rely on BaaS but you don’t want to commit to the closed-source version of Parse.
The implementation of Parse Server can greatly streamline the software development cycle of mobile and web applications. By allowing your developers to focus solely on the frontend, it is possible to reduce the time and cost associated with the development process.
The Pros and Cons of Using Parse
An Experienced Parse Server
The Parse Server team have expended a considerable amount of effort to develop a solution that is appropriate for projects of any size. This Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) system is stable enough for use by large businesses. This robustness permits for the scalability of applications without worry of the backend failing due to the pressure of the workload.
Do Not Need To Create APIs
By making use of Parse Server throughout the back-end development process, your team could save time and effort instead of devoting it to building or rewriting APIs.
Just Do It!
Parse Server offers a simplified process in developing mobile and web applications, allowing developers to focus their attention on other areas of the project. This provides a great advantage to the frontend of the app, and can help to reduce the costs of the project for the business.
That benefits everyone involved.
Conclusion
It is clear that adding a BaaS could be beneficial for your business, especially if you are looking to expand into web and/or mobile app development. By introducing this technology, your developers could save time and effort that would have been spent on constructing the front and back end of the app. Ultimately, who wouldn’t want to benefit from this?
