PocketBase

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pocketbase.io

Open-source backend in a single file: database, auth, file storage, and admin UI.

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Overview

PocketBase bundles an embedded SQLite database, an auth system, file storage, and a realtime API into one executable.

It suits small teams who want a backend without operating one.

Key features

Single-binary deployment
Realtime subscriptions
Built-in admin dashboard

Pros

No infrastructure to run
Fast local development

Cons

SQLite-bound write throughput
Limited horizontal scaling

Use this if

You need a lightweight, self-hosted backend with minimal setup; you want realtime database features; you prefer open source solutions; you're building prototypes or small-to-medium projects.

Skip this if

You require production-grade stability guarantees; you need enterprise support; you prefer managed backend services; you need complex scaling infrastructure.

Best for

Solo foundersInternal toolsPrototypes that must ship

Alternatives

FirebaseSupabaseParseAppwriteStrapi

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