Choosing the Right Backend Solution for a College Event Website: Supabase vs. MongoDB + Render + Hono
Planning a website for a college festival involves many decisions, especially when it comes to backend infrastructure. As I’m working on a portal for our upcoming college fest, I find myself at a crossroads between two popular stacks, each with its own advantages and challenges. With a user base of approximately 2,000 visitors, selecting the optimal solution is critical to ensure reliability and a smooth experience. Here’s a detailed overview of my considerations, and I hope it helps others facing similar dilemmas.
Exploring the Options: Supabase vs. MongoDB + Render + Hono
Option 1: Supabase – An All-in-One Backend Platform
– Rapid setup with built-in Google Authentication, streamlining user login
– Relational database powered by PostgreSQL, with auto-generated APIs and real-time capabilities
– Generous free tier includes up to 50,000 users per month, 500MB database storage, 5GB outbound bandwidth, and 1GB media storage
– Minimal backend maintenance, allowing focus on UI/UX design
– Ideal for projects requiring quick deployment with less manual configuration
Option 2: MongoDB Atlas + Render + Hono – A Flexible, Proven Stack
– Utilized successfully in last year’s event website, offering familiarity and reliability
– Higher outbound bandwidth allowance (up to 40GB/month), reducing concerns over usage limits
– NoSQL database with flexible data nesting and easy data modeling
– Custom API development with Hono, facilitating tailored permissions and logic
– Hosted on Render, which requires managing keep-alive settings or scheduled pings to prevent cold starts, along with additional setup efforts
Assessing the Pros and Cons
Why I Favor Supabase:
– User-friendly experience; Google login simplifies access
– Minimal backend complexity; suitable for fast-paced event planning
– Reduced risk of deployment inconsistencies and infrastructure issues
– Adequate for predominantly text and JSON data, with URLs for images
Potential Drawbacks:
– Bandwidth limitations could be restrictive if traffic spikes unexpectedly
– Less control over backend processes and data structure flexibility
Why I Keep Returning to MongoDB + Render + Hono:
– Established performance history from last year’s deployment
– Larger free bandwidth quota offers peace of mind
– Complete control over API endpoints, data, and permissions
– Greater flexibility to accommodate future needs like additional file types or increased data volume
