Supabase
The Open-Source Alternative to Firebase
- Supabase is a serverless backend platform built on the open-source database PostgreSQL. (SQL vs NoSQL)
- This allows you to use standard SQL to create complex table structures and relationships, just like a traditional database.
- Provides a feature set very similar to Firebase, including serverless functions, real-time subscriptions, authentication, and file storage.
- Part of Serverless Architectures & APIs
Core Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Supabase Auth | Provides authentication via email or social logins. |
| Supabase DB | A full SQL database built on PostgreSQL. |
| Edge Functions | Serverless functions that run on the Deno runtime. |
| Realtime | Automatically detects database changes and pushes them to listening clients. |
| Storage | Allows you to store images and files, with fine-grained access permissions. |
Example - Supabase Edge Function
// hello-world.ts
import { serve } from "https://deno.land/std/http/server.ts";
serve((_req) => new Response("Hello from Supabase Edge Function"));Advantages
- SQL-Based: It can naturally handle complex queries and relationships because it’s built on a standard SQL database.
- Open-Source: You have the option to self-host your entire backend, giving you full control.
- Easy CI/CD: Offers simple CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Deployment) through its native GitHub integration.
Disadvantages
- Weaker Real-time Features: Its real-time capabilities are generally considered less mature than Firebase’s.
- Beta-Level Functions: The Edge Functions feature is still relatively new and may not be as stable or feature-rich as more mature solutions.
- Paid Korean Region: To host your project in the Seoul, Korea region, you must be on a paid plan.