Database / Supabase basics Interview Questions
What is the difference between the anon key and the service role key in Supabase?
Both are API keys generated per project, but they carry very different levels of trust and belong in very different places.
| anon key | service_role key |
| Safe to expose in frontend/client code | Must stay server-side only, never shipped to clients |
| Subject to Row Level Security policies | Bypasses Row Level Security entirely |
| Used for normal user-facing requests | Used for trusted admin tasks like migrations or backend jobs |
Because the service role key skips RLS, leaking it — for example by embedding it in a mobile app or a public Edge Function response — effectively grants full read/write access to the entire database.
Invest now in Acorns!!! 🚀
Join Acorns and get your $5 bonus!
Acorns is a micro-investing app that automatically invests your "spare change" from daily purchases into diversified, expert-built portfolios of ETFs. It is designed for beginners, allowing you to start investing with as little as $5. The service automates saving and investing. Disclosure: I may receive a referral bonus.
Invest now!!! Get Free equity stock (US, UK only)!
Use Robinhood app to invest in stocks. It is safe and secure. Use the Referral link to claim your free stock when you sign up!.
The Robinhood app makes it easy to trade stocks, crypto and more.
Webull! Receive free stock by signing up using the link: Webull signup.
More Related questions...
