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High-value capability

Role-Based Access Control

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

3-7 daysTypical timeline
$1,000 - $3,000Typical range
4Approaches compared

SCOPE DECISION

Does this belong
in the first release?

A capability is only essential when the product promise depends on it. Use these signals to keep the decision tied to user value.

INCLUDE WHEN

The product needs it now

  • 01
    Multiple user types with different permissions
  • 02
    Admin vs regular user distinction
  • 03
    Team/organization features
  • 04
    Content ownership and sharing
LEAVE OUT WHEN

The release works without it

  • 01
    Single user type applications
  • 02
    No permission differentiation needed

IMPLEMENTATION OPTIONS

Choose the approach
that fits the product.

The right technology depends on ownership, scale, integration depth, and how much operational responsibility the team wants to carry.

CASLIsomorphic authorization library

Strengths
  • Frontend + backend
  • Flexible rules
  • Good documentation
Tradeoffs
  • Learning curve
  • More code than simple checks

Supabase RLSRow-Level Security in PostgreSQL

Strengths
  • Database-level security
  • No application code
  • Secure by default
Tradeoffs
  • PostgreSQL only
  • Complex policies
  • Debugging difficult

Clerk OrganizationsBuilt-in org and role management

Strengths
  • No code needed
  • Managed service
  • Ready to use
Tradeoffs
  • Vendor lock-in
  • Less flexible
  • Cost

Custom RBACBuild your own permission system

Strengths
  • Full control
  • Exact fit
  • No dependencies
Tradeoffs
  • More development time
  • Security responsibility
  • Maintenance

DELIVERY SEQUENCE

A practical path
through the work.

  • 01Define user roles (admin, member, viewer, etc.)
  • 02Map permissions to roles
  • 03Implement role assignment logic
  • 04Add authorization checks to API endpoints
  • 05Build UI permission checks
  • 06Handle permission changes
  • 07Add audit logging for access
  • 08Test permission edge cases

WATCH FOR

Common implementation mistakes.

  • 01
    Only checking permissions on frontend (backend too!)
  • 02
    Over-complicated role hierarchies
  • 03
    Not handling role changes in active sessions
  • 04
    Missing permission checks on new features
  • 05
    Hard-coded permissions instead of configurable
  • 06
    No audit trail for permission changes

QUESTIONS

Before you commit the scope.

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 DECISIONS

Continue mapping the release.

Core capability

User Authentication

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

DISCUSS YOUR APP

Turn this decision
into working software.

Bring the product context and current scope. We will choose the approach after the release is clear.

Discuss your app