firebase-basics

Prerequisites

Node.js and npm

To use the Firebase CLI, you need Node.js (version 20+ required) and npm (which comes with Node.js).

Recommended: Use a Node Version Manager (nvm) This avoids permission issues when installing global packages.

1. Install nvm:

   • Mac/Linux: curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.3/install.sh | bash
   • Windows: Download nvm-windows

2. Install Node.js:

   nvm install 24
   nvm use 24
   

Alternative: Official Installer Download and install the LTS version from nodejs.org.

Verify Installation:

node --version
npm --version

Core Workflow

1. Installation

Install the Firebase CLI globally via npm:

npm install -g firebase-tools

Verify installation:

firebase --version

2. Authentication

Log in to Firebase:

firebase login

• This opens a browser for authentication.
• For environments where localhost is not available (e.g., remote shell), use firebase login --no-localhost.

3. Creating a Project

To create a new Firebase project from the CLI:

firebase projects:create

You will be prompted to:

1. Enter a Project ID (must be unique globally).
2. Enter a display name.

4. Initialization

Initialize Firebase services in your project directory:

mkdir my-project
cd my-project
firebase init

The CLI will guide you through:

• Selecting features (Firestore, Functions, Hosting, etc.).
• Associating with an existing project or creating a new one.
• Configuring files (firebase.json, .firebaserc).

Exploring Commands

The Firebase CLI documents itself. Instruct the user to use help commands to discover functionality.

• Global Help: List all available commands and categories.

  firebase --help
  

• Command Help: Get detailed usage for a specific command.

  firebase [command] --help
  # Example:
  firebase deploy --help
  firebase firestore:indexes --help
  

SDK Setup

Detailed guides for adding Firebase to your app:

• Web: See references/web_setup.md

Common Issues

• Permission Denied (EACCES): If npm install -g fails, suggest using a node version manager (nvm) or sudo (caution advised).
• Login Issues: If the browser doesn't open, try firebase login --no-localhost.