Unlocking Offline-First FlutterFlow Apps: PowerSync’s Local Database with Supabase Auto-Sync

PowerSync’s new FlutterFlow library delivers a powerful local database solution that auto-syncs with Supabase, allowing  your app to respond at lightning speed, seamlessly update in real time, and stay functional even when offline. This advancement empowers developers to create robust, offline-first apps without the usual complexity.

Key Benefits for Users

• Instant interactions: Users experience immediate feedback as data reads and writes occur locally, not over the network. The interface remains fast and fluid, regardless of connectivity.
  
  
• Real-time streaming: Updates from any user are instantly visible across all devices, ensuring everyone stays in sync without delay.
  
  
• Reliable offline use: With an embedded local database, your app continues to function even when disconnected so users never lose access to critical features.

How PowerSync Local Database Integration Works

At its core, PowerSync integrates a high-performance SQLite database within your FlutterFlow app. Specialized components and actions manage data operations, with synchronization to Supabase happening quietly in the background.

Read Path

The PowerSync Service monitors Supabase for changes and streams updates directly into the local database. Components like PowerSyncQuery and PowerSyncStateUpdater keep your UI in sync with the latest data. Developers simply connect their queries to these tools, letting PowerSync automate state management and synchronization.

Write Path

When users make changes using the powersyncWrite action, updates are instantly saved to the local database and queued for upload. Syncing with Supabase happens in the background, ensuring cross-device consistency without disrupting the user.

Essential Components and Actions

• PowerSyncQuery: Enables real-time queries for dynamic lists and layouts.
• PowerSyncStateUpdater: Provides real-time updates for static elements such as text.
• PowerSyncQueryOnce: Executes single-use queries for static data needs.
• powersyncWrite: Custom action for creating, updating, or deleting data.
• PowerSyncConnectivity: Communicates real-time connectivity and sync status to users.

Real-World Impact

Before this library, integrating PowerSync with FlutterFlow was a challenge. Now, developers like Yorgo Hoebeke (Orakemu) report smooth, cross-platform syncing and reliable offline access. Other apps, such as TrashBlitz, have also benefited from PowerSync’s streamlined approach, showcasing its effectiveness in production environments.

Getting Started Is Simple

Ready to build your own offline-first FlutterFlow app? Here’s how to begin:

• Sign up for a Supabase account (free plan available).
• Create a PowerSync account (free plan available).
• Follow the PowerSync FlutterFlow Integration Guide for setup instructions.
• For help or community support, visit the #flutterflow channel on PowerSync Discord.

Conclusion

PowerSync’s FlutterFlow library revolutionizes how developers build and deliver offline-first apps. With instant responsiveness, real-time updates, and robust offline capabilities, creating seamless user experiences is now easier and more reliable than ever.

Source: FlutterFlow Blog