Which Database is Best with Flutter: Firebase or Supabase?
Firebase vs Supabase: The Ultimate Guide to Flutter-Compatible Databases in 2023
Introduction
Flutter has become one of the most popular frameworks for mobile app development. One of the biggest questions that arise when starting a new Flutter project is, 'Which database should I use?' Today, we will look at two popular databases, Firebase and Supabase, to see which is the most compatible with Flutter.
Firebase with Flutter
Firebase is a Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) that offers a wide range of features, from real-time databases to analytics. It has native support for Flutter, making it one of the most popular choices for Flutter app developers.
Advantages:
Ease of Use: Firebase offers an easy-to-use SDK for Flutter, making it simple to implement features.
Real-time Database: Perfect for chat apps, real-time analytics, or any other real-time functionalities.
Built-in Authentication: Supports various authentication methods like email, phone, and social logins.
Limitations:
Cost: Firebase can become expensive as your app scales.
Limited Queries: Firebase’s real-time database offers limited querying capabilities.
Supabase with Flutter
Supabase is an open-source alternative to Firebase and is often referred to as the 'Firebase alternative.' It's newer but is gaining traction for its Postgres-based capabilities.
Advantages:
Free: Supabase is free to use and open-source.
SQL Support: Being Postgres-based, it offers robust SQL querying capabilities.
Real-time Features: Similar to Firebase, Supabase also provides real-time features.
Limitations:
Newer Platform: Being newer, it may lack some of the advanced features Firebase offers.
Self-Hosting: You will need to handle the hosting yourself, which might require some server know-how.
Comparison
Real-time Database
Firebase: Uses NoSQL, simple but not ideal for complex relational databases.
Supabase: Utilizes PostgreSQL, better for relational databases.
Scalability:
Firebase: Scales automatically, but costs can get high.
Supabase: Allows self-hosting, giving you control over scalability but may require server maintenance.
Flexibility:
Firebase: Locked into Google's ecosystem.
Supabase: More flexible and customizable.
Best Use-Cases
Firebase:
Startup Projects: Due to its ease of use and quick setup.
Simple Real-time Apps: Like chat applications.
Supabase:
Database-Heavy Projects: Because of its PostgreSQL base.
Open-Source Projects: As it offers more flexibility.
Conclusion
Both Firebase and Supabase have their own set of advantages and limitations when used with Flutter. Your choice should depend on your specific needs such as the complexity of your database, the scale of your app, and your budget. Firebase is generally easier to set up and offers a wide range of services out of the box, but it can become costly. Supabase, on the other hand, is free and offers more flexibility but may require some server maintenance. Choose wisely based on your project's requirements.
For further inquiries or clarification, feel free to connect. Happy coding!