📌

PocketBase

PocketBase is a single-file, open-source backend built on SQLite, created by Gani Georgiev. It sits around #28 in real-world usage (roughly 1%, tied with CockroachDB) — it bundles a database, authentication, and file storage into one small self-hosted executable, popular for indie/solo projects that want a Firebase-like experience without a cloud bill.

📌 Quick facts
Type: Backend-as-a-service built on SQLite
Made by: Gani Georgiev (open-source)
License: Free/open-source
Hosting: Self-hosted (single executable)
Primary use case: Solo/indie projects wanting a self-hosted Firebase alternative

Core concepts & example

PocketBase exposes an auto-generated REST API over its SQLite collections, queried from a JS/Dart SDK:

import PocketBase from 'pocketbase';

const pb = new PocketBase('http://127.0.0.1:8090');
const records = await pb.collection('posts').getList(1, 20, {
  filter: 'published = true',
});

Getting started

PocketBase ships as a single, dependency-free executable:

# download the binary for your OS from pocketbase.io, then:
./pocketbase serve

🎯 Best for: solo/indie projects that want a self-hosted Firebase alternative with no recurring cloud bill.