As someone who is just starting with Flutter, I’m curious about how to properly manage backend services. I’ve learned that Flutter can connect directly to options like Firebase and Supabase, which means you don’t necessarily need a separate backend server. However, I have some concerns regarding this approach. First, I want to avoid getting locked into one vendor. Second, I’ve been told it’s a good idea to handle business logic on the backend, while the frontend simply interacts with REST APIs to fetch data. Since I’m still learning the ropes of app development, I would appreciate any insights from veterans in the field on the best practices.
interesting dilemma! have you thought about starting with node.js or python for the backend? what kind of app are you building though? that’d help figure out if you actually need a separate backend right away or if firebase could work initially.
firebase’s great for beginners, but ur right about vendor lock-in. try appwrite - it’s open source so u can self-host later. u get the baas convenience without getting trapped with one provider.
Your instinct’s spot on - separate that business logic from the frontend. I’ve tried both ways, and I’d start with Express.js + PostgreSQL or MongoDB. You get full control over your data and business rules, plus you’re not locked into any vendor. Want Firebase later for push notifications or auth? Just add it without going all-in. Plus, a REST API means you can reuse everything if you build a web version down the road. Learn proper API design patterns now instead of taking shortcuts with backend-as-a-service stuff.