Simplifying Database Management with Zubase's Declarative Schema
Introduction
Problem: Managing multiple migration files can be cumbersome, leading to scattered database schema information.
Solution: Zubase's declarative schema allows defining the entire database structure in a single schema file.
Traditional Migration Challenges
Using CLI tools for migrations results in:
Multiple files for table alterations.
Challenges in tracking changes (adding, removing columns).
Example: Profiles table schema spread over multiple migration files.
Benefits of Declarative Schema
Centralized schema definition in a schema.sql file.
Automatic migration generation with superbase db diff command.
Simplifies schema updates (e.g., adding columns) directly in the schema file.
Migration Generation Process
Define table structure in schema.sql.
Use superbase db diff to auto-generate migration scripts.
Example: Adding "is admin" column and generating corresponding migration.
Managing Complex Database Features
Supports features like views, functions, and role security policies.
Example of creating and modifying views for admin profiles.
Example of managing function definitions through the schema file.
Working with Role-Based Security Policies
Supports creation and modification of security policies.
Example provided for exposing specific user data to the world.
Limitations and Caveats
Not foolproof for all SQL operations (e.g., detailed permission changes).
Important to verify and test migrations locally using superbase DB reset.
Known edge cases where manual adjustments might be needed.
Scaling with Declarative Schema
As schemas grow, divide into multiple files within a schemas directory.
Example of splitting large schema into profiles.sql and posts.sql files.
Importance of defining migration order in config.toml to handle dependencies.
Getting Started
To adopt this approach, pull down existing database schema into a file.
Organize as needed to incorporate the declarative format.
Summary
Zubase's declarative schema approach provides a streamlined way to manage database schemas, reducing the complexity of migrations and ensuring consistency.