Supabase

How to handle large file uploads in Supabase storage?

Discover how to effortlessly manage massive file uploads with Supabase storage. Follow step-by-step guidance and tips for peak performance and ultimate scalability.

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Overview

Handling large file uploads in Supabase Storage can be a bit tricky, as it involves getting familiar with what the platform can and can't do. To manage hefty files well, you need to think about things like breaking files into smaller chunks, making sure your server can handle the load, and offering a good user experience.

One effective strategy is to split files into smaller parts, which makes them easier to upload and manage. Another technique is to use asynchronous uploads. It essentially means allowing the upload process to run in the background, so users don't have to wait around. Ensuring uploads are resumable is also crucial; if an upload is interrupted, it can pick up right where it left off.

Supabase's API offers tools that can make dealing with large files less of a hassle. Optimizing the setup on the client's side can smooth out the process, making things faster and more reliable.

This section is just the beginning, setting up a deeper dive into practical tips and tricks that will be covered later.

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How to handle large file uploads in Supabase storage?

Step 1: Set Up a Supabase Project

First things first, create a new project on the Supabase platform. Make sure you grab those API keys and the database URL. You'll need them for API requests and integrations.

Step 2: Install Supabase Client Library

Next up, let's get the Supabase client library installed in your development environment. You can use either npm or yarn for this:

npm install @supabase/supabase-js

or

yarn add @supabase/supabase-js

Step 3: Initialize the Supabase Client

Now, let's initialize the Supabase client with your project's URL and API key:

import { createClient } from '@supabase/supabase-js';

const supabaseUrl = 'https://your-project-ref.supabase.co';
const supabaseKey = 'your-anon-key';
const supabase = createClient(supabaseUrl, supabaseKey);

Step 4: Create Storage Bucket

Head over to the Supabase dashboard, find the 'Storage' section, and create a new storage bucket. Give it a good name, as this bucket will hold your large file uploads. Set the permissions to public or private based on what you need.

Step 5: Configure CORS

To handle uploads from a client app, make sure Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) is set up correctly. Add your app's domain to the allowed origins in the Supabase settings.

Step 6: Install and Configure Upload Utility (for Large Files)

For those big file uploads, a library like resumable.js can be super helpful. Install it using npm or yarn:

npm install resumablejs

Then, configure it in your app:

import Resumable from 'resumablejs';

const r = new Resumable({
    target: 'https://your-project-ref.supabase.co/storage/v1/object', // Base URL for Supabase storage API
    query: {
        bucket: 'your-bucket-name'
    },
    headers: {
        authorization: `Bearer ${supabaseKey}`
    },
    fileParameterName: 'file',
    chunkSize: 1 * 1024 * 1024, // 1MB chunks
});

Step 7: Handle File Uploads on the Client Side

Let's integrate the file input with resumable.js:

const fileInput = document.getElementById('file-input');
fileInput.addEventListener('change', (event) => {
    if (r.support) {
        r.addFiles(event.target.files); // Add the selected files
    }
});

// Handle file addition and upload
r.on('fileAdded', (file) => {
    r.upload(); // Start the upload upon file addition
});

r.on('fileSuccess', (file, message) => {
    console.log('File successfully uploaded:', message);
});

Step 8: Verify the Upload on Supabase

After the upload, check the Supabase dashboard under the Storage section to verify the uploaded file. Make sure the file chunks are correctly compiled into the final file.

Step 9: Handle Backend Processing (Optional)

For any post-upload processing, you can create a Supabase function or a serverless function triggered by the file upload. This can handle tasks like file validation, database updates, or sending notifications.

Step 10: Monitor and Debug

Keep an eye on the uploads using Supabase logs and console outputs in your app. Implement error handling in your client-side code to manage issues like network failures or incomplete uploads.

r.on('fileError', (file, error) => {
    console.error('Error uploading file:', error);
});

Following these steps will help you efficiently manage large file uploads in Supabase storage.

Explore more Supabase tutorials

Complete Guide to Supabase: Tutorials, Tips, and Best Practices

Explore our Supabase tutorials directory - an essential resource for learning how to create, deploy and manage robust server-side applications with ease and efficiency.

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