Supabase
Open-source backend platform with database, auth, and real-time APIs.
What is Supabase?
Try SupabaseSupabase is a Postgres development platform that pairs a speed-focused developer experience with an integrated suite of backend services. You can build apps on a scalable, trusted foundation without having to manage servers or stitch multiple tools together. It includes the core pieces you need—authentication, storage, realtime subscriptions, and vector search—plus optional capabilities like edge functions and AI-ready features.
What does Supabase provide when building a full-stack app?
Supabase gives you a managed Postgres foundation plus an integrated set of backend services, including authentication, storage, realtime subscriptions, edge functions, and vector search. Instead of assembling separate components, you can use one or many of these tools as your app grows.
Can I spin up a database and backend without complex setup?
Yes. Supabase is designed to be easy to use, with the ability to spin up a Postgres database in seconds and manage your backend from an intuitive dashboard. It also provides auto-generated APIs so you can start coding without first building everything by hand.
How does Supabase handle authentication and data access security?
Supabase includes built-in authentication with options like email/password, magic links, OAuth, SAML/SSO, and phone/SMS OTP. For authorization, it supports role-based access control and row-level security (RLS) so you can secure data at the row level.
How does Supabase support realtime updates for collaborative experiences?
Supabase uses Postgres replication to provide live sync functionality, which enables realtime subscriptions. This lets your app react to changes as they happen, supporting collaborative workflows.
What AI features does Supabase include for semantic search?
Supabase supports AI/ML use cases with vector search via the pgvector extension. It also includes a dashboard “AI Assistant” panel that persists across prompts, and it provides an MCP server to connect your AI tools (like Cursor or Claude) directly with Supabase.
What can I use Supabase for beyond the database?
Beyond Postgres, Supabase includes S3-compatible object storage for files, images, and videos, plus edge functions powered by Deno for serverless logic. It also supports foreign data wrappers to connect to systems like BigQuery, Snowflake, ClickHouse, and external APIs.