Student App API Vision
This document outlines potential API designs for optimizing the FindU iOS app experience. Currently, the app communicates directly with Supabase.This is a design reference document. These endpoints do not currently exist. The iOS app uses Supabase Swift SDK for all operations.
Current Implementation
The iOS app currently:- Uses Supabase Swift SDK
- Handles authentication via Supabase Auth
- Queries database directly
- Manages real-time subscriptions
Future API Benefits
A dedicated Student API could provide:1. Mobile Optimization
Reduced payload sizes and batched data:2. Offline Support
Cache-friendly endpoints with sync capabilities:3. Simplified Data Access
Pre-computed and enriched responses:Proposed Endpoint Structure
Authentication & Profile
Discovery & Matching
Messaging
Social Features
Scholarships
Mobile-First Design Patterns
Compressed Responses
Progressive Data Loading
Optimistic Updates
Performance Optimizations
Caching Strategy
Batch Operations
Delta Sync
Push Notification Integration
Implementation Considerations
iOS SDK Design
Error Handling
Migration Strategy
If implementing this API:-
Phase 1: Read-only endpoints
- Recommendations
- School details
- Profile data
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Phase 2: Core interactions
- Swipe recording
- Message sending
- Profile updates
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Phase 3: Advanced features
- Offline sync
- Batch operations
- Push notifications
Current Alternative
For now, the iOS app can optimize using:- Supabase SDK with selective queries
- Local caching with UserDefaults/CoreData
- Background refresh tasks
- Supabase real-time for instant updates