Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

788: Supabase: Open Source Firebase for Fullstack JS Apps

Jun 28, 2024

53:45

Snipd AI

Paul Copplestone, CEO of Supabase, discusses the journey of building an open-source Firebase alternative. Topics include tech stack, excellent documentation, balancing business goals with open-source values, official vs community libraries, simplicity in design, server-side functionality, pgvector genesis, product strategy, UX, authentication, storage, and future plans.

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Quick takeaways

Superbase offers self-hosting options to adhere to open source principles.

Superbase focuses on enhancing user experience by addressing common database management issues.

Deep dives

Superbase's Unique Positioning as an Open Source Alternative

Superbase positions itself as an open source Firebase alternative and a Postgres hosting company. They focus on providing a user-friendly experience, aiming to make database management feel seamless. The name 'Superbase' stems from the challenge of acquiring the domain 'super,' leading to a memorable and relatable branding approach.

Intro

2min

Building Superbase: Origins and Technical Foundations

23min

Exploring the Evolution of UI Technology in the Product

2min

Discussing Kaizen Philosophy and the Superbase Stack

4min

Challenges and Future Plans for Supabase in the Open Source Community

16min

Discussing the Role of Advisors in Database Performance and Using Memes for Developer Marketing

3min

Discussion on Apple Vision Pro, Postgres, and Superbase

3min

Scott and CJ chat with Paul Copplestone, CEO and co-founder of Supabase, about the journey of building an open source alternative to Firebase. Learn about the tech stack, the story behind their excellent documentation, and how Supabase balances business goals with open-source values.

Show Notes

00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
00:30 Who is Paul Copplestone?
01:17 Why ‘Supa’ and not ‘Super’?
02:26 How did Supabase start?
- 04:29 How long from inception to joining Y Combinator?
- 05:10 Was it always intended to be open source?
  - Why Open Source.
- 07:22 How many users chose to self-host?
- 07:49 Open source mindset.
08:42 Simplicity in design.
10:32 How do you take Supabase one step beyond the competition?
12:35 How do you decide which libraries are officially supported vs community maintained?
- 15:17 You don’t need a client library!
16:48 Edge functions for server-side functionality.
18:51 The genesis of pgvector.
20:59 The product strategy.
22:25 What’s the story behind Supabase’s awesome docs?
25:26 The tech behind Supabase.
- 25:39 What is the UI built on?
- 27:33 Consolidation follows kaizen.
- 28:54 What else is involved in the stack?
- 31:47 Authentication.
- 32:35 Storage engine.
- 33:13 For self-hosting.
35:46 How do you balance business goals with open source?
42:01 What’s next for Supabase?
44:15 Supabase’s GA + new features.
- Top 10 LAunches from Supabase GA Week.
48:24 Who runs the X account?
50:39 Sick Picks + Shameless Plugs.