Why Supabase is the Open-Source Firebase Alternative You Need

Firebase has been a favorite backend solution for developers worldwide, including myself. It simplifies authentication, offers real-time capabilities, and scales seamlessly.

Yet, over time, its limitations became hard to ignore: vendor lock-in, limited SQL functionality, and a closed ecosystem that didn’t always align with the needs of modern, flexible development.

That’s when I discovered Supabase—an open-source alternative that feels tailor-made for developers like me.

Supabase and the Open-Source Philosophy

Supabase is built on PostgreSQL, a tried-and-true relational database that developers trust. Unlike Firebase, Supabase’s open-source nature means I’m never locked into a proprietary ecosystem.

The freedom to dive into the codebase and customize it to suit my project’s needs has been a breath of fresh air.

As someone who has worked with various headless open-source solutions like Strapi and Directus, I was initially skeptical about Supabase.

However, it quickly became clear that Supabase wasn’t just another backend solution; it’s a comprehensive platform designed to handle everything from real-time updates to authentication, making it stand out from the rest.

Real-Time Magic Without the Strings

Supabase delivers Firebase’s hallmark real-time capabilities but implements them using PostgreSQL’s subscription features.

This approach means I get the benefits of real-time without sacrificing the power and flexibility of a relational database. Whether I’m building a collaborative app or a live dashboard, Supabase’s real-time functionality has consistently delivered.

A Backend for Every Platform

What’s truly impressive is Supabase’s versatility. It’s a backend powerhouse for mobile apps, desktop applications, IoT systems, and SaaS platforms alike.

Recently, I used Supabase for a SaaS project that needed scalable APIs, robust authentication, and a user-friendly database schema. The entire setup was not only smooth but also far more customizable than Firebase.

On another occasion, I leveraged Supabase for an IoT project, where edge functions handled real-time sensor data processing. This flexibility has made Supabase my go-to for projects that demand adaptability and robust backend capabilities.

Features That Developers Love

• Authentication: Supabase provides built-in support for popular authentication methods, including Google, GitHub, and even passwordless login via magic links.
• PostgreSQL Database: A fully managed PostgreSQL instance with advanced querying, foreign keys, and all the power of SQL at your fingertips.
• Storage: An integrated, secure storage system that simplifies file management.
• Edge Functions: Lightweight serverless functions that bring backend logic closer to the user for better performance.
• Open-Source Transparency: With its GitHub repository open to the community, Supabase embodies the ethos of open development.

Self-hosted

You can easily deploy and setup a self-hosted version of Supabase on your server, either using Docker, Kubernetes, , or even simply install deploy to Digital Ocean using Terraform.

How to Install Supabase Using Docker

Supabase provides a convenient way to self-host its platform using Docker. This approach is ideal for developers who want complete control over their data and infrastructure.

Here's how you can set up Supabase on your machine using Docker.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have the following installed on your system:

• Docker: How to install Docker on Windows, Linux and macOS.
• Docker Compose: Comes bundled with Docker Desktop for Windows and macOS. For Linux, install it separately.
• Git: Required to clone the Supabase repository.

git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/supabase/supabase
cd supabase/docker

cp .env.example .env

If you need to customize settings like database credentials or ports, edit the .env file provided in the repository before starting the services.

Now

docker-compose up

Then check at localhost:8080,

Why Supabase Stands Out

Having worked with multiple open-source headless solutions, I can confidently say that Supabase combines the best of Firebase’s simplicity with the robustness of a fully-fledged relational database.

The fact that it’s open-source means I can self-host it if needed or use the hosted version without worrying about being tied down to a single provider.

Supabase’s edge lies in its adaptability.

Whether I’m building an app for mobile, desktop, or IoT, it handles the complexities of backend development, letting me focus on delivering features. Its open nature and PostgreSQL backbone make it a tool I’m proud to recommend to fellow developers.

If you’ve been searching for a Firebase alternative that’s more open, flexible, and developer-friendly, Supabase is well worth exploring. It’s not just a replacement; it’s an upgrade.