this post was submitted on 24 Jun 2023
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Hi everyone,

In a project involving Firebase and object types like Tickets, Schedules, and Timers, I want to structure my classes such that switching databases (potentially to MySQL) wouldn't require a complete rewrite.

Approach 1:

  • A DatabaseProxy interface with generic methods (e.g., createTicket, createTimer, etc.)
  • A FirebaseProxy class implementing the interface, with methods for each object type (e.g., createTicket, createTimer, etc.)
  • Manager classes for Tickets, Schedules, and Timers, that primarily use the FirebaseProxy for operations. This provides flexibility for processing input/output, but most of the time the manager classes will just be calling methods on the Proxy directly.

Approach 2:

  • A DatabaseProxy interface with the most basic CRUD methods (create, read, update, delete).
  • A FirebaseProxy class implementing the interface.
  • Manager classes for Tickets, Schedules, and Timers, calling FirebaseProxy with parameters like update(collection, ticket) and implementing createTimer, createTicket, etc.

I like the second approach in theory, but what I'm worried about is whether the separation is too low level. What happens if the database I switch to changes schema such that taking in an object and a collection name isn't good enough anymore? For example, will there be concerns if I switch between Vector, NoSQL, and SQL?

Any opinions are appreciated!

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[–] funbike@programming.dev 1 points 1 year ago

Look into "Hexagonal Architecture", similar/synonymous to clean/ports&adapters/onion. As someone else said, combine it with "Repository" pattern.

I use hex arch in front end and back end. It adds a couple of layers, but it makes apps much easier to test and maintain.