Deploy Supabase On Akash: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys! Ready to dive into deploying Supabase, the awesome open-source Firebase alternative, on the Akash Network? This guide is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know, from setting up your SDL to accessing your deployed Supabase instance. Let's get started and make it happen!

Why Deploy Supabase on Akash?

So, why bother deploying Supabase on Akash, you ask? Well, there are several compelling reasons, and it's a really cool combo! First off, you get decentralization. Akash offers a decentralized cloud, meaning your Supabase instance isn't tied to a single provider. This boosts resilience and helps you avoid potential downtime. Then there's the cost factor. Akash often provides competitive pricing compared to traditional cloud providers. You can find some sweet deals, especially if you're running resource-intensive Supabase components. Furthermore, you're in control. You manage your deployment with flexible SDL (Stack Definition Language) files, letting you tailor the resources and configurations to your exact needs. Also, let's not forget the community. Akash is all about its vibrant community and the open-source ethos, making it a great place to learn and grow. Finally, it's a fantastic learning experience, providing a hands-on understanding of decentralized cloud infrastructure and modern deployment strategies.

Deploying Supabase on Akash Network allows you to leverage the power of a decentralized cloud for your backend needs. Instead of relying on centralized providers like AWS or Google Cloud, you can host your Supabase stack on Akash, which offers several advantages, including cost savings, increased control, and enhanced security. With Akash, you can select the best providers for your deployment, optimize resource allocation, and ensure your application's resilience. The community-driven nature of Akash also provides a collaborative environment where you can learn from others and contribute to the growth of the decentralized cloud ecosystem. By choosing Akash for your Supabase deployment, you are not just hosting your application; you are embracing a future where cloud infrastructure is open, transparent, and accessible to everyone.

This whole process empowers you to create scalable and reliable backend solutions. So, whether you're a seasoned developer or a newbie, deploying Supabase on Akash is a fantastic way to explore the world of decentralized cloud technologies, improve your skills, and reduce your operational costs. By embracing this setup, you are joining the future of cloud computing.

Setting Up Your Akash Deployment

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. To deploy Supabase on Akash, you'll need a few key ingredients. First, make sure you have the Akash CLI installed and configured. This is your command-line interface for interacting with the Akash Network. You can find detailed instructions on the Akash website. Second, you'll need some AKT (Akash Token). You'll use these tokens to pay for your deployment costs. The Akash Network has a great guide on how to get started. Third, and most important, is your deploy.yaml file. This file, written in SDL (Stack Definition Language), describes the infrastructure you're deploying on Akash. It's the blueprint of your Supabase stack.

The deploy.yaml file is the core of your Akash deployment. It specifies the resources needed for your Supabase stack. The file includes defining services, resources, and environment variables, which is critical for a smooth deployment. Let's break down a typical deploy.yaml file for Supabase. First, you'll define the services you need. Usually, you'll have a postgres service for your database, an api service for your Supabase API, and a studio service for the Supabase web interface. Each service will specify the image to use (e.g., the official Supabase Postgres image), the resources it needs (CPU, memory, storage), and the ports to expose. You'll also need to set environment variables. These are essential for configuring your Supabase stack, such as database passwords, API keys, and other settings. Remember to keep your secrets secure. Next, you'll specify the resources needed for each service. This includes the amount of CPU cores, memory, and storage space allocated to each container. Ensure you choose resource amounts that are adequate for your expected workload. Finally, the deploy.yaml file will handle port mappings. You'll expose the necessary ports, such as port 5432 for Postgres, port 80 for the API, and port 80 for the Studio, to enable external access. You’ll also need to choose a provider on Akash. The providers offer different pricing, resources, and geographic locations. Choose one that fits your needs. Deploying your SDL file through the Akash CLI will take you through this process, which usually involves signing transactions and waiting for the deployment to complete. After the deployment, you'll receive the endpoints that allow you to access your deployed services. Be sure to test everything to ensure it's working correctly. Deploying on Akash means becoming familiar with YAML and containerization, which can be a great step in your development path.

Crafting Your deploy.yaml File

Let's get practical and build a deploy.yaml file for a basic Supabase deployment. Remember, this is a starting point, and you can customize it to your heart's content. Here’s a simplified example to give you a taste:

version: "2.0"
services:
  postgres:
    image: postgres:14-alpine
    env:
      POSTGRES_PASSWORD: "your_postgres_password"
    resources:
      cpu: 1
      memory: 2Gi
      storage: 10Gi
    expose:
      - port: 5432
        as: 5432
        to: 
          - global
  api:
    image: supabase/supabase-api:v1.101.1 # Replace with the latest version
    depends_on:
      - postgres
    env:
      DATABASE_URL: "postgres://postgres:your_postgres_password@postgres:5432/postgres"
      # Add other environment variables like JWT_SECRET etc.
    resources:
      cpu: 1
      memory: 1Gi
    expose:
      - port: 80
        as: 80
        to:
          - global
  studio:
    image: supabase/supabase-studio:latest
    depends_on:
      - api
    env:
      API_URL: "http://api"
      # Add other necessary environment variables.
    resources:
      cpu: 1
      memory: 1Gi
    expose:
      - port: 80
        as: 80
        to:
          - global
profiles:
  compute:
    postgres:
      resources:
        cpu: 1
        memory: 2Gi
        storage: 10Gi
    api:
      resources:
        cpu: 1
        memory: 1Gi
    studio:
      resources:
        cpu: 1
        memory: 1Gi
  placement:
    akash:
      pricing: 10AKT

Key points about deploy.yaml:

• Version: Specifies the SDL version. Always use the latest to make sure you are using all the features.
• Services: Defines each component of your Supabase stack.
• Image: The Docker image to use for each service. Make sure the image is up to date.
• Env: Environment variables. Important for configuration and security.
• Resources: Specifies the CPU, memory, and storage needed.
• Expose: Defines ports to expose for external access.
• Profiles: Defines resources and placement settings. Ensure you are choosing the right pricing for the resources requested.

Remember to replace `