If you've ever worked with Firebase but wished for the flexibility of SQL, Supabase is for you. It's an open-source Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform built on PostgreSQL, providing everything you need for modern web and mobile applications.

What is Supabase and Why Should You Care?

In short, Supabase is an open-source platform that offers:

• PostgreSQL database – Fast and structured storage for relational data.

• Auto-generated APIs – Instantly turn your database tables into RESTful APIs.

• Authentication – Easy user registration, login, and social authentication (Google, GitHub, and more).

• Realtime functionality – Live updates using WebSockets.

• Object Storage – Store files and images seamlessly.

How Does Supabase Work?

1. Database and APIs

Supabase leverages PostgreSQL, considered the "gold standard" of SQL databases. Its biggest advantage is that every table you create automatically becomes a REST API, making backend development nearly effortless. For example, if you have a users table, you can fetch data with a simple API request:

GET https://your-project.supabase.co/rest/v1/users

This means you can manage your database entirely via API without writing backend code.

2. Authentication

Handling authentication can be a hassle, but Supabase simplifies the process. You can quickly integrate OAuth (Google, Facebook, Twitter), email/password login, and other authentication methods:

const { user, error } = await supabase.auth.signInWithPassword({ email: 'user@example.com', password: 'password123' });

3. Realtime Functionality

If you need live updates in your app (such as a chat application), Supabase offers a realtime listener that allows you to instantly receive database changes:

supabase .channel('messages') .on('INSERT', payload => { console.log('New message:', payload.new); }) .subscribe();

Supabase Pricing – What Do You Get for Free?

Supabase offers a free plan that's perfect for getting started:

• 50MB database storage – Enough for small projects.

• 500MB file storage.

• 200,000 API requests per month.

• Realtime updates – 2 concurrent connections.

For more resources, paid plans start at $25/month, which include increased storage, API requests, and enterprise-level features.

Why Should You Try Supabase?

• Open-source – If you run into issues, you can inspect the code and even fix it yourself.

• Power of PostgreSQL – Full SQL flexibility, which Firebase doesn't offer.

• No Vendor Lock-in – Easily migrate your data to another server if needed.

Conclusion

Supabase is a powerful open-source alternative to Firebase, providing developers with SQL-based flexibility and auto-generated APIs. Its free plan is great for small to medium projects, while paid plans support serious business needs. If you're looking for an alternative to Firebase and need more control over your data, Supabase is a must-try!