Database & Data Modeling

Every SaaS app needs a database, and the schema decisions you make early are expensive to change later. This skill helps you choose the right database, design a clean schema, and set up security — explained without jargon.

Core Principles

• Choose the database that matches your hosting platform. Don't fight the defaults.
• Schema design is product design. Get the relationships right early — migrations are painful later.
• Every SaaS app is multi-tenant. Every table needs a way to isolate customer data.
• Start simple. You don't need Redis, Elasticsearch, or a data warehouse at $0-10k MRR.
• Row Level Security is not optional. One leaked customer seeing another's data kills trust.

Choosing a Database

For Most Solo Founders: Use What Your Platform Gives You