RocketMVPRocketMVP
Important for many MVPs

Role-Based Access Control for MVPs

Permissions systems for controlling what users can see and do based on their roles.

3-7 days
Typical Timeline
$1,000 - $3,000
Typical Cost

When to Include

  • Multiple user types with different permissions
  • Admin vs regular user distinction
  • Team/organization features
  • Content ownership and sharing

When to Skip

  • Single user type applications
  • No permission differentiation needed

Technology Options

TechnologyProsCons
CASL
Isomorphic authorization library
  • Frontend + backend
  • Flexible rules
  • Good documentation
  • Learning curve
  • More code than simple checks
Supabase RLS
Row-Level Security in PostgreSQL
  • Database-level security
  • No application code
  • Secure by default
  • PostgreSQL only
  • Complex policies
  • Debugging difficult
Clerk Organizations
Built-in org and role management
  • No code needed
  • Managed service
  • Ready to use
  • Vendor lock-in
  • Less flexible
  • Cost
Custom RBAC
Build your own permission system
  • Full control
  • Exact fit
  • No dependencies
  • More development time
  • Security responsibility
  • Maintenance

Implementation Steps

1
Define user roles (admin, member, viewer, etc.)
2
Map permissions to roles
3
Implement role assignment logic
4
Add authorization checks to API endpoints
5
Build UI permission checks
6
Handle permission changes
7
Add audit logging for access
8
Test permission edge cases

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Only checking permissions on frontend (backend too!)
  • Over-complicated role hierarchies
  • Not handling role changes in active sessions
  • Missing permission checks on new features
  • Hard-coded permissions instead of configurable
  • No audit trail for permission changes

Frequently Asked Questions

How many roles should my MVP have?

Start with 2-3 roles: owner/admin, member, and maybe viewer. Add granular roles when you have real user feedback on needs.

Should I check permissions in frontend or backend?

Both. Backend for security (required), frontend for UX (hide unavailable actions). Never trust frontend-only checks.

How do I handle team/organization permissions?

Roles are scoped to organizations. User can be admin in one org, member in another. Store role at the membership level.

Related Features

User Authentication

Secure login and registration systems including email/password, social auth, and passwordless options.

Learn more

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