With Strapi V4, the flexibility to use pluggable database connectors has been dropped, leaving behind archived projects such as the strapi-connector-firestore. In this blog, we’ll explore how to utilize this early work in progress for your applications, understanding its limitations, and how you can contribute to its development. We will weave through the configuration, usage instructions, and some essential troubleshooting tips for when you encounter roadblocks.

Understanding the Basics: A Firestore is to Strapi, Like a Canvas is to an Artist

Imagine you’re an artist preparing to paint a masterpiece. The Firestore database is your canvas, while Strapi serves as the paintbrush. The strapi-connector-firestore acts as the medium combining both to create unique artwork. However, just like any work of art, the process involves balancing creativity with certain limitations. This connector allows the artist to embed Firestore’s flexible data directly into Strapi’s structure—but it is still a draft, not yet suitable for the gallery!

Installation Steps: Get Up and Running!

To get started with the strapi-connector-firestore, follow these steps:

• Ensure that you have NodeJS version 12 installed.
• Since Strapi V4 is not supported, you’ll need to use Strapi version compatible with ^3.0.0.
• Install the NPM package using:

  $ npm install --save strapi-connector-firestore

• Configure Strapi to use the Firestore connector by creating a .config/database.js file with the following code:

  module.exports = (env) => ({
        defaultConnection: 'default',
        connections: {
          default: {
            connector: 'firestore',
            settings: {
              projectId: YOUR_PROJECT_ID,
            },
            options: {
              useEmulator: env(NODE_ENV) === 'development',
            },
          },
        },
      });

Configuring Firestore: Options at Your Disposal

Here are several options that can be configured in the .config/database.js file:

• settings: This is an object passed directly to the Firestore constructor.
• options.useEmulator: Set to true to connect to a local Firestore emulator during development.
• options.maxQuerySize: Controls the maximum number of queries to prevent unintended quota usage.
• See the full list of options above in the {{Usage Instructions}} section.

Examples to Clarify Usage Instructions

Here’s how you can set parameters within your model configuration to streamline your integration:

{
  kind: 'collectionType',
  collectionName: 'myCollection',
  options: {
    flatten: true,
    allowNonNativeQueries: true,
  },
};

Troubleshooting: What to Do When Things Go Haywire

If you face issues while working with the strapi-connector-firestore, consider the following troubleshooting ideas:

• Ensure you are using the correct Strapi version, as this is critical for compatibility.
• Check if your NodeJS version meets the requirements (should be 12).
• Verify that you have correctly configured your project ID and API keys.
• Review Firestore rules and permissions, which may affect data access.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion: The Way Forward

While the strapi-connector-firestore is a work in progress, it presents a stepping stone for developers looking to integrate Firestore with Strapi in their applications. Consider contributing to its improvement through testing and feedback as outlined in the documentation. At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.