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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.newly.app/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

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Backend Systems

Newly supports two backend systems for your app’s server-side functionality. This guide helps you understand which one you’re using and how each works.

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Which Backend Am I Using?

Quick Check: Look at the preview header in your project.
  • See a “Database” button? → You’re using Liquid Backend
  • No “Database” button? → You’re using Supabase
Liquid Backend will get you further. It’s the recommended backend for most use cases. Supabase is mostly available for users that already have a website set up and are running Supabase there.

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Liquid Backend

Liquid Backend is Newly’s integrated backend system. It automatically generates APIs and databases from natural language.

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What Liquid Backend Provides

RESTful APIs

Automatic API endpoint generation from natural language

PostgreSQL Database

Fully managed database with automatic schema creation

Authentication

User registration, login, and session management

File Storage

Upload and serve images and files

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When Liquid Backend Is Created

The AI automatically creates backend functionality when you request:
  • User authentication - Sign up, login, password reset
  • Data persistence - Saving data across sessions
  • User-specific data - Data tied to user accounts
  • API integrations - External services requiring server-side secrets
  • AI features - ChatGPT or other AI model integrations

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Example Prompts

Build me a journaling app, ai integrated with Google and Apple authentication

Create an AI financial advisor app, where I can chat and ask AI for financial advices on how to spend my money.

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Database Viewer

With Liquid Backend, you can view your data directly in Newly:
  1. Click the Database icon (🗄️) in the preview header
  2. Browse tables on the left sidebar
  3. View records and their values
This is useful for:
  • Verifying data is saving correctly
  • Debugging data-related issues
  • Understanding the database structure

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Logs Viewer

Liquid Backend includes a Logs Viewer in Newly:
  1. Click the Logs icon in the preview header
  2. Switch between “Frontend” and “Backend” tabs
  3. View API calls, errors, and debug information

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Environment Variables (Liquid Backend)

For Liquid Backend projects, environment variables are managed through Liquid Backend:
  • Server-side secrets (API keys, tokens) are stored securely in Liquid Backend
  • Frontend variables can be added via More → Environment Variables
  • Variables are automatically available to your backend code
Secret keys (like OPENAI_API_KEY) should be stored in Liquid Backend, not exposed to the frontend.

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Production Deployment

When deploying your app with Liquid Backend:
1

Development

During development, you’re using a dev environment backend
2

Push to Production

In the Deploy modal, click “Push to Production” for backend
3

Production URL

Your app is automatically configured to use the production API

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Comparison Table

FeatureLiquid BackendSupabase
Database Viewer in Newly✅ Yes❌ No (use Dashboard)
Backend Logs in Newly✅ Yes❌ No (use Dashboard)
API GenerationAutomatic from promptsManual or via AI
Environment VariablesManaged in Liquid BackendOAuth + manual
AuthenticationBuilt-inSupabase Auth
Database AccessVia generated REST APIsDirect client SDK
Schema ManagementAI-generatedSupabase Dashboard
Production DeployOne-click in NewlyAutomatic (Supabase hosted)

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Supabase

Supabase is an open-source Firebase alternative that provides database, authentication, and storage. Some projects use Supabase for specific requirements.

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How Supabase Works

Unlike Liquid Backend which generates APIs automatically, Supabase provides:
  1. Direct Database Access - Your app connects directly to PostgreSQL
  2. Supabase Client SDK - Uses @supabase/supabase-js for queries
  3. Row Level Security (RLS) - Security rules defined in Supabase Dashboard
  4. OAuth Integration - Newly connects to your Supabase project via secure OAuth

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Connecting Supabase

Newly uses OAuth to securely connect to your Supabase project:
1

Open Supabase Settings

Click More → Supabase in the project menu
2

Connect via OAuth

Click “Connect Supabase” and sign in to your Supabase account
3

Authorize Access

Grant Newly permission to access your Supabase projects
4

Select Project

Choose your Supabase project from the list
The OAuth connection handles all authentication automatically. No manual API key configuration required.

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Managing Your Supabase Database

Since there’s no Database Viewer for Supabase in Newly, you’ll manage your database through: Supabase Dashboard - supabase.com/dashboard
  • Table Editor for viewing/editing data
  • SQL Editor for running queries
  • Schema management

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Logs for Supabase

Supabase backend logs are not available in Newly. You must use the Supabase Dashboard.
To view Supabase logs:
  1. Go to supabase.com/dashboard
  2. Select your project
  3. Navigate to Logs in the sidebar
  4. Choose the log type:
    • API Logs - REST API requests
    • Postgres Logs - Database queries
    • Auth Logs - Authentication events
    • Edge Function Logs - Serverless function logs
For frontend console logs, use the Logs icon in Newly’s preview header - these are still available for all projects.

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Environment Variables (Supabase)

Supabase connection is handled automatically via OAuth. The OAuth integration manages your connection securely without requiring manual API key configuration. For additional environment variables needed by your app, use More → Environment Variables.

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Supabase Features

FeatureHow to Use
DatabaseSupabase Dashboard Table Editor
AuthenticationSupabase Auth (email, OAuth, phone)
StorageSupabase Storage buckets
Edge FunctionsDeploy via Supabase CLI
RealtimeSubscribe to database changes
RLS PoliciesDefine in Supabase Dashboard

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Migration

Migration from Supabase to Liquid Backend is not possible.
If you need to switch backend systems, you can only migrate from Liquid Backend to Supabase, not the other way around.

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When to Consider Migration

In most cases, Liquid Backend will get you further. Consider migrating to Supabase only if you specifically need:
  • PostgreSQL functions and triggers
  • Supabase-specific features (Realtime subscriptions, Edge Functions)
  • Integration with existing Supabase infrastructure
  • Direct SQL access for complex queries

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Migration from Liquid Backend to Supabase

If you must migrate:
1

Export Your Data

Use the Database Viewer in Newly to review your data, then contact support to assist with data export
2

Create Supabase Project

Set up a new project at supabase.com
3

Recreate Schema

Create your tables in Supabase Dashboard
4

Import Data

Import your data using Supabase’s import tools or SQL
5

Connect via OAuth

Follow the OAuth connection steps in Newly
6

Update App

Ask the AI to update your app to use Supabase

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Troubleshooting

Your project uses Supabase. Manage your database at supabase.com/dashboard.
  • Liquid Backend: Click the Logs icon and select “Backend” tab
  • Supabase: Logs are only available in the Supabase Dashboard
  • Liquid Backend: Check Liquid Backend configuration
  • Supabase: Connection is managed via OAuth; additional vars in More → Environment Variables
  • Liquid Backend: Check backend logs in Newly
  • Supabase: Check API logs in Supabase Dashboard

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Next Steps

Supabase Details

Deep dive into Supabase integration

Deployment Guide

Deploy your app to production