Latest news with #Firebase
Fast Company
a day ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Who will build the next generation of digital products?
AI is significantly impacting software development. Programmers write code. Their job is to translate product specifications into text a computer can understand, compile, and execute. There is some room for programming creativity to architect an application to simplify future maintenance or improve performance. However the most creative aspects of digital product development (e.g., mobile, wearable, web, and desktop apps) involve humans, from identifying their challenges when contemplating a product to gathering feedback when refining it. Successful digital products require a team of creative, critical thinkers. A typical team includes product owners, designers, developers, project managers, quality assurance specialists, and marketers. In recent years, low-code and no-code tools have become more capable, making it possible for non-developers to create prototypes and proofs of concept. AI is taking that to another level with its ease of building and the capabilities of the resulting product. Quantity versus quality in this new era Firebase Studio and tools like it generate code, not a black box. Suppose the product fails to meet requirements for any reason. It can then either be regenerated from an altered prompt or maintained like a traditional software project by engineers skilled in the project's programming language. That kind of troubleshooting and maintenance will benefit from a trained developer's knowledge and experience. I'm in favor of tools that help people get ideas out of their heads and onto a device where others can interact with it and provide feedback. Cocktail napkins may be relegated to their more limited wicking roles. But these new capabilities have the potential to rapidly expand the number of available digital products (web products, apps in the App Store, etc.). We could face a quantity over quality challenge with significantly more rough products obscuring the diamonds. Marketing teams will face a greater challenge boosting their product above the noise to be noticed. Technology and the role of human creativity The promise for non-developers is compelling, but what about professionals? Digital product professionals with extensive digital product development experience will benefit from advanced AI tools for design exploration, code generation, and test authoring. Drawing on experience, those professionals can direct AI tools to produce higher-quality results than someone with less experience directing the same tools. Lessons learned from prior experience should result in better prompts and, ultimately, better products. A powerful tool in the hands of someone who knows how to wield it can produce excellent results. A cautionary tale Decades ago, I was involved in the third rewrite of a struggling software product in the education market. The business owners were convinced their product's problems were tied to their programming language choice. It was early in my career, and the migration was to a language I enjoyed, so I didn't think to ask questions. As with previous rewrites, the feature set remained essentially the same. The basic architecture remained the same. And the team driving the requirements remained the same. Not surprisingly, the rewrite results were also the same. The product was not noticeably faster or easier to use, and customers didn't like it any more than the previous version. I learned an important lesson from the project. Technology by itself (in that case, a programming language) rarely moves the product success needle. Solving the right problem with the right basic approach, driven by user feedback and the marketing skills and budget to spread the word, has a far greater impact on the results. The same is true for AI. It is a fantastic tool that bestows the superpower on unskilled people to make really awful software products faster than they ever could before. Beyond programming: Solve the right problem with empathy While greater accessibility for non-developers and more powerful tools for skilled professionals are positive, the outlook isn't all rosy. Currently, AI is best at building products when specific instructions are given. The more detail we provide, the better the results. That is very similar to the programmer's role. Businesses that currently thrive by turning detailed specifications into functioning software products have the most to lose when AI tools most closely match their skillset. There is much more to digital product development than programming. Our clients value creative thinking, critical thinking, empathy, and a passion for creating compelling user experiences. Those characteristics are vital in ensuring we're solving the correct problems for our clients. Less programming effort will be required to build digital products. However, for the foreseeable future, there will still be a significant need for the distinctly human creativity and skills that make products great.
National Post
3 days ago
- Business
- National Post
This Java training bundle offers a practical toolkit for developers
This article was created by StackCommerce. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through our links on this page. Article content Canada's digital economy keeps expanding, and with it, so does the need for skilled developers who can build and maintain mobile and web applications. While languages like Python and JavaScript often get the spotlight, Java quietly remains one of the most widely used programming languages, especially for Android development. Article content Article content For professionals looking to build marketable technical skills or pivot into app development, the 2025 Complete Java Mobile and Web Development Bundle offers a structured path into that world. Article content With over 160 hours of self-paced video lessons, this online bundle is built for users at any experience level. It begins with foundational Java concepts and expands into real-world Android development, offering practical examples and complete projects to build confidence and competence. Article content Users can expect to work hands-on with Android Studio, Firebase, REST APIs, Spring Boot and PostgreSQL. Whether you're building quiz games or chat apps or developing enterprise backend systems, the courses aim to translate abstract skills into functioning applications. By the end, learners will have completed more than 20 projects and covered both mobile app design and back-end integration. The bundle also introduces enterprise tools like Spring Boot and Hibernate, with practical examples that show how to build scalable REST APIs, integrate databases and deploy services. That backend knowledge is crucial for professionals who want to go beyond mobile interfaces and build complete, full-stack solutions. Article content Article content Article content For those planning a career transition or aiming to supplement existing skills in fields like finance, logistics or healthcare, a strong command of Java and mobile frameworks is a valuable asset. Whether you're hoping to collaborate more effectively with technical teams or eventually build your own product, this type of training opens doors. Article content Each course is accessible for life on desktop and mobile, making it easy to move through the content on your own schedule. While you won't earn an official Java certification through this bundle, you will come away with a wide range of applicable skills, plus the foundation to pursue formal certification or build a professional development portfolio. Article content
Geeky Gadgets
16-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
How to use Google Firebase Studio for App Development : Beginner's Guide
Have you ever wished there was a single platform that could handle both the creative and technical sides of app development? Enter Google Firebase Studio, an innovative tool that blends no-code simplicity with the power of manual coding. Imagine designing a sleek app interface, setting up a secure database, and deploying your project—all without leaving one workspace. It's a developer's dream, but here's the catch: mastering Firebase Studio can feel like learning to drive a high-performance car. The potential is immense, but the controls might seem daunting at first. Whether you're a beginner curious about no-code tools or a seasoned coder looking to streamline your workflow, this guide takes you through the essentials of Firebase Studio, helping you unlock its full potential. In the video below by Tina Huang, discover how Firebase Studio's AI-driven features can supercharge your productivity, how its integration with Firebase's scalable infrastructure simplifies back-end management, and why its flexibility makes it a standout choice for diverse projects. From prototyping to deployment, this guide will walk you through the platform's core tools and show you how to navigate its challenges, such as the learning curve for advanced features. Whether you're building a gamified productivity app or a full-stack solution, Firebase Studio offers a unique blend of accessibility and control. Let's explore how this tool can transform the way you approach app development—and perhaps even redefine your creative process. What Is Firebase Studio? Firebase Studio functions as an all-in-one workspace for creating web and mobile applications. It integrates AI-powered tools to streamline tasks ranging from prototyping to deployment. Using Firebase's scalable infrastructure, the platform supports essential back-end services such as databases, user authentication, and cloud storage. Whether you're a beginner exploring no-code solutions or an experienced developer seeking advanced customization, Firebase Studio provides a flexible environment tailored to diverse needs. By combining no-code tools with manual coding capabilities, Firebase Studio bridges the gap between accessibility and control. Its AI-driven features further enhance productivity, making it a valuable resource for developers aiming to build scalable and efficient applications. Core Features of Firebase Studio Firebase offers a wide range of features designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and efficiency in app development. These core functionalities include: AI-Assisted Prototyping: Quickly generate app prototypes using AI prompts, significantly reducing the time spent on initial designs. Quickly generate app prototypes using AI prompts, significantly reducing the time spent on initial designs. Firestore Integration: Manage back-end services seamlessly, including databases, user authentication, and data storage, all within the Firebase ecosystem. Manage back-end services seamlessly, including databases, user authentication, and data storage, all within the Firebase ecosystem. Customizable Front-End Tools: Design user interfaces with visual customization options to align with specific design goals and branding requirements. Design user interfaces with visual customization options to align with specific design goals and branding requirements. Code Editor: A built-in, VS Code-like editor enables detailed customization, catering to developers who prefer hands-on coding for greater control. A built-in, VS Code-like editor enables detailed customization, catering to developers who prefer hands-on coding for greater control. GitHub Integration: Simplify version control and team collaboration with built-in GitHub support, making sure smooth workflows. Simplify version control and team collaboration with built-in GitHub support, making sure smooth workflows. Deployment Tools: Publish applications directly from the platform, allowing for immediate access and testing. These features make Firebase Studio a versatile tool for developers, whether they are building simple prototypes or complex, full-stack applications. How to Use Google Firebase Studio in 2025 Watch this video on YouTube. Take a look at other insightful guides from our broad collection that might capture your interest in Google Firebase Studio. Why Choose Firebase Studio? Firebase Studio distinguishes itself with its unique combination of no-code and code-based development capabilities. Here are some of the key reasons to consider using the platform: Free Access: Firebase Studio is free to use, making it an accessible option for developers and businesses of all sizes. Firebase Studio is free to use, making it an accessible option for developers and businesses of all sizes. AI Assistance: Google's Gemini AI models assist with coding, debugging, and prototyping, improving efficiency and reducing development time. Google's Gemini AI models assist with coding, debugging, and prototyping, improving efficiency and reducing development time. Scalability: Built on Firebase's infrastructure, the platform supports applications that can grow seamlessly with user demand. Built on Firebase's infrastructure, the platform supports applications that can grow seamlessly with user demand. Flexibility: Developers can switch between no-code tools and manual coding, offering greater control and adaptability for diverse project requirements. These advantages make Firebase Studio a compelling choice for developers looking to balance ease of use with advanced functionality. Challenges and Limitations While Firebase offers numerous benefits, it is essential to consider its limitations to make informed decisions: Steep Learning Curve: Beginners may find it challenging to configure back-end services like Firestore and fully use the platform's capabilities. Beginners may find it challenging to configure back-end services like Firestore and fully use the platform's capabilities. Incomplete Features: Some advanced functionalities, such as debugging tools, are still under development, which may hinder certain workflows. Some advanced functionalities, such as debugging tools, are still under development, which may hinder certain workflows. Google Ecosystem Dependency: The platform's reliance on Google's AI models and Firebase infrastructure may limit integration with external tools or non-Google services. Understanding these challenges can help developers plan effectively and mitigate potential obstacles during the development process. Practical Use Case: Gamified Productivity App To illustrate Firebase Studio's capabilities, consider building a gamified productivity app inspired by popular role-playing games. Here's how the platform can be used for such a project: Goal Tracking: Set up daily goals and track user progress using XP points or similar gamified mechanics. Set up daily goals and track user progress using XP points or similar gamified mechanics. Data Management: Store user data, game mechanics, and progress in Firebase Firestore for efficient back-end management. Store user data, game mechanics, and progress in Firebase Firestore for efficient back-end management. Custom UI Design: Use Firebase Studio's front-end tools to create an engaging and visually appealing user interface. Use Firebase Studio's front-end tools to create an engaging and visually appealing user interface. Deployment: Publish the app online directly from Firebase Studio, making it accessible to users immediately. This example highlights how Firebase Studio supports both the creative and functional aspects of app development, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of projects. Areas for Improvement While Firebase Studio is a promising platform, there are opportunities for further enhancement to improve its usability and appeal: Simplified Back-End Integration: Streamlining the configuration process for Firebase services would make the platform more accessible to beginners and non-technical users. Streamlining the configuration process for Firebase services would make the platform more accessible to beginners and non-technical users. Advanced Debugging Tools: Introducing robust error resolution and debugging features would enhance the development and testing process. Introducing robust error resolution and debugging features would enhance the development and testing process. Expanded AI Compatibility: Supporting non-Google AI models and tools could attract a broader audience and increase the platform's flexibility. Addressing these areas could make Firebase Studio an even more powerful and user-friendly tool for developers. Final Thoughts on Firebase Studio Firebase Studio is a versatile platform that bridges the gap between no-code and traditional development. Its combination of AI-driven assistance, scalability, and free access makes it a valuable resource for developers of all skill levels. While it may present a learning curve for beginners and lacks some advanced features, its robust infrastructure and flexible tools provide a strong foundation for building scalable and innovative applications. Whether you're prototyping an idea or developing a full-stack solution, Firebase Studio offers the tools and support needed to bring your vision to life. Media Credit: Tina Huang Filed Under: AI, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive: Supabase raises $200 million Series D at $2 billion valuation
Paul Copplestone didn't think things like this actually happened. Then one day Accel's Gonzalo Mocorrea asked for his New Zealand address—more than 7,000 miles from Silicon Valley. Mocorrea 'literally showed up on my doorstep in Wānaka, which is really not easy to get to,' said Copplestone, the CEO and cofounder of open source application development platform Supabase. 'For the next two days, he'd pop in and we'd chat for a couple hours.' After a few days in Wānaka—located on New Zealand's South Island and famous for its snow capped mountains overlooking a massive mirror of a lake—Accel's Mocorrea called in backup, texting partner Arun Mathew. 'Arun said 'alright, I'm coming,'' said Copplestone. 'And I said, 'Oh no, don't come! We haven't agreed to anything!' But yeah, he came, we had dinner in Queenstown, another beautiful place. We caught up the next morning, and they offered a term sheet.' Accel's Mathew had traveled more than 24 hours, across two flights and multiple car rides, to make the trip as the firm weighed its first investment in Supabase. 'I needed to sit across the table, look him in the eye, and really believe he's going to do something else,' Mathew told Fortune. 'That's necessary, certainly at this valuation…We know what greatness looks like, we believe that—and I'm obviously betting with my career.' That term sheet became Supabase's latest funding round, a $200 million Series D valuing the company at $2 billion, Fortune can exclusively report. Coatue, Y Combinator, Craft Ventures, and Felicis participated in the round, as did big-name angels like OpenAI Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil, Vercel CEO Guillermo Rauch, and Laravel CEO Taylor Otwell. 'The core thesis for us is that in every major platform shift, there's always value created at the database layer,' said Mathew. 'It's part of the reason that Larry Ellison and Oracle have held the same power for 40-plus years. It's partially why MongoDB is one of the most interesting enterprise software companies out there…The database layer has a lot of dead bodies, but it also has a number of companies that have created exceptional enterprise value.' Supabase is currently used by two million developers who manage more than 3.5 million databases. The startup supports Postgres, the most popular developer database system that's an alternative to Google's Firebase. Supabase's goal: To be a one-stop backend for developers and "vibe coders." 'I see our community, over the next decade, as something that will grow with us, and it's for everyone from developers, all the way up to enterprise,' said Copplestone. 'It's more than just developers even now. Our sign-up rate just doubled in the past three months because of vibe coding—Bolt, Lovable, Cursor, all those.' Vercel's Rauch first invested in Supabase in 2021, and he sees vibe coding as a key tailwind for the startup. (Vercel, last valued at $3.25 billion, is widely viewed as a leader in the vibe coding movement.) 'The metaphor I always use is that vibe coding is like a self-driving car,' Rauch told Fortune. "It's an amazing feat that gets us around, but it still needs roads…Supabase has been working really hard not to just be easy to use, but within reach. The roads are cloud infrastructure, and Supabase was ready to meet this foundational need in the data ecosystem.' Founded in 2020, Supabase is a product of the pandemic, and has stayed remote. Copplestone, a third-time founder whose previous startups were Nimbus For Work and ServisHero, has proactively decided to learn from the past to improve upon the future. "I went through playing startup the first time, where you raise the money and put the posters up,' said Copplestone. 'You pay top dollar, you hire, tell people how many employees you've got—and then, of course, we ran out of money." This time, he's been hiring differently. A native New Zealander, Copplestone estimates that about 28% of Supabase employees are former founders themselves, and they're all over the world. "It's a bit like Moneyball,' said Copplestone. 'We found these really good humans, and they're not necessarily in San Francisco. We've got people in Peru and Macedonia. What matters to us is that they're extremely competent, but also low-ego, good people.' Even though Supabase is remote, the company sets up ways for people to meet each other. For example, during launch weeks, Supabase releases one new thing every day. This month, employees and developers in 100 cities around the world are organizing meetups. And, if you have any familiarity with pop hits from 2011, Copplestone is very much aware his unicorn's name echoes Nicki Minaj's hit 'Super Bass.' In fact, that's by design. "I was looking for something along the lines of 'superlative base,'' said Copplestone. 'I looked up all the domain names, and nothing was free. I could only find S-U-P-A. Then, I thought it was funny, because of the Nicki Minaj song. So, I chose that name so I could send memes to my cofounder Ant [Wilson], who's very good at memes.' To judge by the latest funding round, the meme is catching on. See you tomorrow, Allie GarfinkleX: @agarfinksEmail: a deal for the Term Sheet newsletter here. Nina Ajemian curated the deals section of today's newsletter. Subscribe here. This story was originally featured on Sign in to access your portfolio
Bloomberg
12-03-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Supabase Developer Platform Raises Cash at $2 Billion Valuation
Supabase Inc., an open source developer platform, is raising more than $100 million in a funding round that values the company at about $2 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. Venture firm Accel is leading the deal, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. The startup bills itself as an alternative to Google's Firebase, aiming to help developers quickly scale projects.
