Supabase Realtime

Expert implementation guide for Supabase Realtime features focusing on scalable patterns and best practices.

Core Principles

Always use broadcast over postgres_changes - postgres_changes is single-threaded and doesn't scale. Use broadcast with database triggers for all database change notifications.

Use dedicated topics - Never broadcast to global topics. Use granular patterns like room:123:messages, user:456:notifications.

Private channels by default - Set private: true for all database-triggered channels. Enable private-only mode in production.

Quick Reference

Naming Conventions

• Topics: scope:entity:id (e.g., room:123:messages)
• Events: entity_action in snake_case (e.g., message_created)

Client Setup Pattern