Supabase Postgres Optimization: Performance Best Practices

What This Skill Does

PostgreSQL performance optimization and best practices from the Supabase engineering team. Covers query optimization, schema design, indexing strategies, and database configuration.

When to Use It

• Optimizing slow PostgreSQL queries
• Designing efficient database schemas
• Choosing and creating the right indexes
• Configuring PostgreSQL for performance
• Reviewing database design decisions

Key Topics

Query Optimization

• Use EXPLAIN ANALYZE to understand query plans
• Avoid SELECT * — specify needed columns
• Use CTEs judiciously (they can be optimization fences)
• Prefer EXISTS over IN for subqueries

Indexing

• Create indexes for frequent WHERE/JOIN/ORDER BY columns
• Use partial indexes for commonly filtered subsets
• Consider composite indexes for multi-column queries
• Monitor unused indexes and remove them

Schema Design

• Normalize appropriately — but don't over-normalize
• Use appropriate data types (don't store numbers as text)
• Add constraints at the database level
• Plan for growth in table partitioning decisions

Best Practices

• Benchmark before and after changes
• Use connection pooling in production
• Monitor slow query logs continuously
• Test schema changes on a copy before production