Supabase in 100 Seconds

Summary

Superbass is an open-source Firebase alternative designed to provide scalable back-end solutions for web and mobile apps. Launched in 2019, it offers a comprehensive set of tools like a PostgreSQL database, file storage, and Edge functions that integrate with popular frameworks like React and Flutter. Developers can manage databases with an intuitive UI, implement row-level security, and leverage real-time data updates. The platform supports REST and GraphQL APIs and allows for serverless Edge functions with Dino and TypeScript. Superbass empowers developers with easy-to-use infrastructure while maintaining full control over their tech stack.

Takeaways

• 😀 Superbass is an open-source, free alternative to Firebase for building web and mobile applications.
• 😀 It focuses on providing scalable backend infrastructure, including a database, file storage, and edge functions in the cloud.
• 😀 One of the main challenges in app development is building a system that works at scale, which is addressed by Superbass.
• 😀 Superbass avoids vendor lock-in by not being tied to proprietary technology or a specific cloud platform.
• 😀 It allows developers to manage a PostgreSQL database through an easy-to-use UI and automatically generates REST and GraphQL APIs.
• 😀 The platform integrates user authentication directly with the database, facilitating row-level security and real-time data changes.
• 😀 Developers can use Superbass to manage authentication and access policies for users in their applications.
• 😀 Superbass offers an interface that automatically generates custom API documentation, simplifying backend integration.
• 😀 It allows developers to use pre-built API queries or directly call REST and GraphQL APIs, eliminating the need to write raw SQL.
• 😀 Super Bass supports serverless edge functions using Dino and TypeScript for running custom server-side code globally.
• 😀 The platform offers a free tier and a new course on Fireship.io to help developers get started with using Superbass.

Q & A

What is Superbass, and what does it offer?

Superbass is an open-source backend platform designed as an alternative to Firebase. It provides essential backend services like a PostgreSQL database, file storage, Edge functions, and real-time data syncing, along with frontend SDKs for easy integration with JavaScript frameworks like React, React Native, and Flutter.

How does Superbass compare to Firebase and Amplify?

While Firebase and Amplify provide backend services, Superbass stands out by being open-source and not locking developers into proprietary cloud platforms. It offers similar features, such as real-time data updates and user authentication, but with the added flexibility of being self-hosted or managed without vendor lock-in.

What backend infrastructure does Superbass provide?

Superbass offers a PostgreSQL database, file storage, and Edge functions that run in the cloud. These services provide a complete backend infrastructure for building scalable applications.

How can developers manage their database on Superbass?

Developers can easily manage their PostgreSQL database via an intuitive UI, allowing them to create tables, define schema, and populate data. The platform also automatically generates REST and GraphQL APIs for database interaction.

What is row-level security in Superbass, and how is it used?

Row-level security in Superbass allows developers to control access to data at a granular level. It is implemented through authentication schemas and policies, ensuring that users can only access specific rows of data based on defined conditions.

How does Superbass handle real-time data updates?

Superbass can listen to changes in the database in real time, similar to Firebase. This enables developers to build applications that react instantly to data updates without needing to poll the server.

What are Edge functions in Superbass, and how are they used?

Edge functions in Superbass are serverless functions that can be written in Deno and TypeScript. These functions are distributed globally to ensure low-latency and efficient execution for server-side logic that needs to run at the edge of the network.

Can developers use custom API calls with Superbass?

Yes, Superbass automatically generates API documentation for each project. Developers can copy queries directly from the documentation and use them in their code, eliminating the need to write raw SQL.

What are the options for getting started with Superbass?

Developers can get started by either self-hosting Superbass using Docker or signing up for a fully managed service. The managed service starts with a free tier, allowing developers to explore the platform with no initial cost.

What additional resources are available for learning Superbass?

Superbass offers a free course on Fireship.io to help developers get started with building applications on the platform. The course covers the fundamentals of using Superbass effectively.