How to set up Firebase Authentication in Node.js Application

What is Firebase Authentication in Node.js?

Firebase Authentication in Node.js is basically a secure user authentication system and it is developed by Google designed to simplify the sign-in process for web and mobile applications. It provides authentication mechanisms for user identity management and it supports various sign-in methods including:

Email & Password Authentication – This is traditional login using credentials.

Social Authentication – Where you need to sign in with Google, Facebook, Twitter or GitHub.

Phone Authentication – OTP-based authentication.

Anonymous Authentication – Temporary access for guest users.

Custom Authentication – Using JWT tokens for advanced security needs.

By integrating Firebase Authentication in Node.js applications, the Node.js development services provider can eliminate the complexity of managing user sessions. Also, can secure passwords and implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Why do you need Firebase Authentication in Node.js Applications?

Security and Compliance

Firebase Authentication in Node.js gives a secure authentication framework which follows industry-standard protocols such as OAuth 2.0 | OpenID Connect | JWT-based authentication. This helps in preventing security threats such as unauthorized access and identity fraud.

Simplified User Management

One thing is that to manage user authentication and to handle session in traditional authentication systems is really complex. Firebase Authentication simplifies this as it offers pre-built UI flows | SDKs and APIs that seamlessly integrate into Node.js applications.

Scalable and Cost-Effective

Node.js applications often require a backend that supports millions of users. Firebase Authentication is cloud-based and scalable it means that it grows with your application’s demand and it does not require manual infrastructure management.

Seamless Integration with Firebase Ecosystem

Firebase Authentication works natively with Firebase services like Firestore, Cloud Functions, and Real-Time Data Streaming with Node.js. It enables and simplify the Node.js architecture.

Multi-Platform Compatibility

It allow Nodejs developers to use the same authentication logic across web, mobile (iOS/Android) and backend (Node.js) applications so that it ensures consistent user experiences.

Advantages of using Firebase Authentication

Easy Integration: It makes user authentication simple and without complex backend implementation.
Secured: It uses industry-standard security practices like OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect.
Scalable: Also it handles thousands of users without manual infrastructure scaling.
Cross-Platform Support: It works seamlessly with web mobile & backend applications.

Real-Time Use Cases of Firebase Authentication

E-Commerce Platforms: Ensures secure user logins for shoppers and enables social authentication for quick sign-ups.

SaaS Applications: Allows users to sign up and authenticate with Google, Facebook or GitHub. Manages multi-user access with roles and permissions.

IoT Applications: Secures API endpoints and authenticates device access.

Online Learning Platforms: Manages student and instructor logins securely.

How to set up Firebase Authentication in Node.js Application

Step 1: Create a Firebase Project

=> Go to Console of Firebase.

=> Click on “Add Project” and set up a new Firebase project.

=> Enable Authentication: Navigate to Authentication > Sign-in Method, then enable Email/Password and other sign-in providers.

Step 2: Install Firebase Admin SDK

=> npm install firebase-admin

Step 3: Initialize Firebase Authentication

=> Create a firebase.js file to set up Firebase Authentication:

NOTE: Download ‘serviceAccountKey.json’ from Firebase Console under Project Settings > Service Accounts.

=> Create a `registerUser` function in authController.js:

=> To allow users to log in, use Firebase Client SDK on the frontend.

Example React Login Component:

Step 6: Protecting API Routes (JWT Authentication)

=> To protect API routes, use Firebase’s `verifyIdToken` function.

=> Use this middleware in protected routes:

Example: Implementation of Firebase Authentication in Node.js based Microservices

Firebase Authentication as I already mentioned it simplifies user authentication in Node.js as it provides a secure and scalable identity management solution. In this blog, I have explained the implementation of Firebase Authentication in Node.js based microservices framework using a real-time microservice application example.

Key Components

Authentication Service: Handles Firebase authentication, user login, and registration.
User Service: Manages user profile information.
Order Service: Processes customer orders.
Product Service: Manages product inventory and listings.
API Gateway: Handles authentication and routes requests to respective microservices.