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Open-source backends
Choosing the right backend for your temporary phone number SMS activation platform can streamline your development, reduce operational overhead, and ensure seamless scalability. Platfone offers two open-source backends—Firebase App and NodeJS App—that deliver the same core functionality with different trade-offs. This guide helps you pick the option that best aligns with your team’s expertise, infrastructure, and customization needs.
Feature comparison at a glance
| Feature | Firebase App | NodeJS App |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Google Firebase (Cloud Functions + Firestore) | Self-hosted (NodeJS + MySQL) |
| Setup & Deployment | Quick CLI installer | Self-deployed (NodeJS + MySQL, Docker) |
| Database | Firestore (NoSQL) | MySQL (MariaDB) |
| Authentication | Firebase Authentication | Firebase Authentication |
| Language & Runtime | TypeScript (Cloud Functions) | TypeScript / NodeJS |
| Scalability | Automatic on-demand scaling | Depends on your infrastructure |
| Cost model | Pay-only-for-received-SMS + Firebase usage fees | Pay-only-for-received-SMS + hosting |
| Customization | Streamlined configuration, Firebase rules & triggers | Full code & infrastructure control |
| API Documentation | Firebase App API docs | NodeJS App API docs |
| Example apps | Android, iOS, Web | Android, iOS, Web |
When to choose Firebase App
- Zero infrastructure overhead: Deploy in minutes with Firebase hosting & CLI installer.
- Seamless scaling: Cloud Functions automatically scale with traffic.
- Managed services: Firebase Auth and Firestore handle authentication and data storage.
- Cost-efficient for low traffic: Only pay for incoming SMS and Firebase resource usage.
When to choose NodeJS App
- Full control: Host anywhere, customize every layer (server, database, auth).
- Familiar stack: Ideal if you already maintain NodeJS/TypeScript services.
- Relational data support: MySQL database for complex queries & joins.
- Highly customizable: Modify backend logic, add custom endpoints, or integrate with other services.
Getting started
NodeJS App overview
Learn more about the Platfone NodeJS App
Firebase App overview
Learn more about the Platfone Firebase App