Choosing the Ideal Backend Solution for Your College Event Website: Supabase vs. MongoDB + Render + Hono
Designing a reliable and efficient website for your college fest can be a complex decision, especially when balancing ease of use, flexibility, and cost. Recently, I found myself at a crossroads while developing a portal intended for approximately 2,000 users. Having previously used a MongoDB-based setup, I explored whether to stick with this proven approach or switch to a more streamlined, all-in-one platform like Supabase. If you’re navigating a similar dilemma, I hope sharing my insights helps clarify your options.
Evaluating Two Popular Tech Stacks
Option 1: Supabase — An All-In-One Backend Platform
– Quick Setup & Authentication: Built-in Google authentication simplifies user login processes.
– Relational Database: Uses PostgreSQL, offering reliable relational data management with auto-generated APIs.
– Real-Time Capabilities: Optional real-time updates enhance interactive features.
– Generous Free Tier: Supports up to 50,000 monthly users, 500MB database storage, 5GB outbound bandwidth, and 1GB media storage.
– Minimal Maintenance: Integrated tools reduce backend management, allowing developers to focus on designing an engaging user interface.
Option 2: MongoDB Atlas with Render & Hono — Flexible and Customizable
– Proven Reliability: This stack served well in last year’s project, providing familiarity and stability.
– High Bandwidth Limits: Offers up to 40GB of outbound data monthly, reducing worries about hitting quotas.
– NoSQL Flexibility: Nests data easily, enabling more complex and varied data structures.
– Custom API Development: Hono enables tailored API logic and permissions, while Render hosts the backend services.
– Enhanced Control: Greater command over the backend processes, including auth mechanisms through NextAuth or JWT.
Understanding My Dilemma
Why I Favor Supabase
– Impressive ease of use, especially with login integrations—simply toggle Google auth.
– Simplified architecture minimizes the risk of deployment issues.
– Suitable for text and JSON-heavy content, which constitutes most of my data.
– Accelerates development, ideal for fast-paced event planning.
Why I Keep Returning to MongoDB + Render + Hono
– Well-tested in previous iterations, providing peace of mind.
– Larger bandwidth allowances mean less concern about unexpected data spikes.
– Greater control over API endpoints and data management, allowing
