Authorization via Row Level Security

Supabase's Row Level Security (RLS) feature allows you to implement granular authorization rules directly in your Postgres database, securing your data at the row level.

Key features

1. Policy-based access control: Create SQL rules to determine data access for each table.
2. Role-specific policies: Define different access rules for authenticated and anonymous users.
3. Flexible policy types: Implement SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE policies.
4. Integration with Supabase Auth: Use built-in helper functions like auth.uid() and auth.jwt() in policies.
5. Performance optimization: Utilize indexes and optimized query patterns for efficient policy execution.
6. Bypass options: Use service keys or create roles with bypassrls privilege for administrative tasks.

Benefits:

• Enhanced data security: Control access to individual rows based on user attributes or roles.
• Simplified application logic: Reduce complex authorization checks in your application code.
• Consistency across clients: Ensure uniform access control regardless of data access method.
• Centralized policy management: Define and manage access rules directly in the database.

RLS is particularly valuable for:

• Multi-tenant applications requiring data isolation
• Healthcare systems needing patient data privacy
• Financial platforms with strict data access controls
• Collaborative tools where users should only see their own or shared data
• Any application dealing with sensitive or personalized data

Supabase's RLS feature provides a powerful tool for implementing sophisticated access control patterns with minimal application code, enhancing security while simplifying development.