Supabase (YC S20) – An open source Firebase alternative (supabase.io)

Article summary

Supabase is an open-source alternative to Firebase, offering a Postgres database, authentication, and real-time data capabilities. The platform aims to provide a scalable and secure solution for developers, with features such as row-level security and edge functions. Supabase is currently in alpha and is free to use, with plans to offer a paid version with additional features in the future. The platform is designed to be highly customizable and extensible, with a focus on developer experience and community involvement.

Main themes

• Supabase as a Firebase alternative
• Postgres database
• Scalability and security
• Vendor lock-in
• Open-source architecture
• Customizability and flexibility
• Authentication and authorization
• Cost-effectiveness and efficiency
• Database choice and NoSQL vs SQL debate
• Developer experience and community involvement

What commenters say

• Supabase is a promising alternative to Firebase, offering a more scalable and secure solution for developers.
• The use of Postgres as the underlying database is a key differentiator for Supabase, providing a more robust and flexible data storage solution.
• Some commenters expressed concerns about the potential for vendor lock-in with Supabase, despite its open-source nature.
• Others argued that Supabase's use of Postgres and open-source architecture makes it a more attractive option for developers who value flexibility and customizability.
• There was disagreement about the relative merits of Supabase versus other alternatives, such as Hasura and nhost.io.
• Some commenters noted that Supabase's authentication and authorization features are still in development, and that the platform may not yet be ready for production use.
• Others expressed enthusiasm for Supabase's potential to provide a more cost-effective and efficient solution for developers, particularly those currently using Firebase.
• The choice of database, with some arguing that a NoSQL database would be more suitable for certain use cases, was also a topic of discussion.