Supabase backends on a real PostgreSQL foundation
Supabase provides a hosted PostgreSQL database together with authentication, file storage, real-time subscriptions and auto-generated APIs. It gives teams a fast start while keeping data in a standard, portable SQL database.
Because Supabase is PostgreSQL underneath, you get relational modelling, SQL reporting and extensions such as pgvector, with a clear path to self-hosting or migrating later. Security depends heavily on row-level security policies, which must be designed and tested carefully when clients query the database directly. For complex business logic we still prefer a dedicated backend service in front of it. Compared with Firebase it suits relational data better; for purely real-time mobile sync, Firebase can be simpler.
What we build with Supabase
- PostgreSQL schema and migrations
- Row-level security policies
- Authentication and user roles
- Storage and edge functions
- Vector search with pgvector
Supabase questions
Is Supabase a good choice for an MVP?
Often, yes. It removes much of the backend setup while keeping your data in PostgreSQL, so you are not locked into a proprietary data model as the product grows.
Is it safe to query Supabase directly from the browser?
Yes, provided row-level security is enabled and policies are correct. We write tests for those policies because a single missing rule can expose data.
How do you manage database changes in Supabase?
We write schema changes as migration files with the Supabase CLI, keep them in version control and apply them through the deployment pipeline. Editing tables by hand in the dashboard is avoided for production.
How are backups handled in Supabase?
Supabase takes daily backups on paid plans, and point-in-time recovery is available as an add-on. For critical data we also export regular copies to storage you control.
Can Supabase be self-hosted?
Yes. Its components are open source and can run on your own infrastructure with Docker. Self-hosting gives full control but means you handle upgrades, backups and scaling.
How does Supabase authentication work?
Supabase Auth supports email, magic links, phone and social providers, and issues tokens that row-level security policies can read. That links who the user is directly to what data they can access.
What are Supabase Edge Functions for?
They run server-side TypeScript close to users for tasks such as webhooks, payment handling or calling third-party APIs with secret keys. Anything that must not run in the browser belongs there.
How do real-time features work in Supabase?
Clients can subscribe to database changes, broadcast messages and presence over WebSockets. Real-time respects row-level security, so users only receive changes they are allowed to see.
Can we migrate from Firebase to Supabase?
Yes. Documents are mapped into relational tables, users are imported into Supabase Auth and security rules are rewritten as row-level security policies. We migrate in stages and verify data before switching.
What should never be exposed in a Supabase client app?
The service role key bypasses row-level security and must only be used on a server. Client apps should use the public anonymous key, relying on policies to protect data.
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