I'm trying to figure out how to handle users in my SaaS. I have two options:
One: to use an existing service for user registration and login, for example Supabase. Fast, I could get it working in a day-two. The problem is the vendor lock-in: if they ever raise prices by a huge amount or shut down my account, I'm done.
Two: to build my own user system with a simple SQL database that I can host anywhere. If someone cuts me off, I can move everything easily. The downside is time: even though the functionality looks simple, I still have to build and test everything: signup, email codes, links, password resets, security, and so on. That could take a week.
My concern is that if I start with a locked-in system, it might be very hard to migrate later. I'm not sure I could distill the user data in a usable form, especially if they store passwords with their own methods. Most likely I won't be able to move my users at all!
So I'm stuck between control and time. The Control Commandment says I should own the user database. The Time Commandment says I shouldn't waste days building something when I don't even know if the project will take off.
One: to use an existing service for user registration and login, for example Supabase. Fast, I could get it working in a day-two. The problem is the vendor lock-in: if they ever raise prices by a huge amount or shut down my account, I'm done.
Two: to build my own user system with a simple SQL database that I can host anywhere. If someone cuts me off, I can move everything easily. The downside is time: even though the functionality looks simple, I still have to build and test everything: signup, email codes, links, password resets, security, and so on. That could take a week.
My concern is that if I start with a locked-in system, it might be very hard to migrate later. I'm not sure I could distill the user data in a usable form, especially if they store passwords with their own methods. Most likely I won't be able to move my users at all!
So I'm stuck between control and time. The Control Commandment says I should own the user database. The Time Commandment says I shouldn't waste days building something when I don't even know if the project will take off.
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