PocketBase: A Backend in a Single File
PocketBase is an open-source backend platform packaged into a single executable file. No dependencies, no configuration — just run it and start working.
What’s Inside
PocketBase combines several components in one binary:
- SQLite database with real-time subscriptions (changes are streamed to clients instantly)
- File storage with automatic image resizing
- Authentication — email/password, OAuth2 (Google, GitHub, Apple, and more)
- Admin panel — manage collections, users, and settings through a web interface
- REST API and SDKs — auto-generated endpoints for JavaScript and Dart
What Projects It Suits
PocketBase is ideal for MVPs, prototypes, admin panels, and small production projects. If you need to quickly spin up a backend for a frontend app, mobile app, or SPA — this is one of the best options available.
The main limitation is SQLite. If you expect thousands of concurrent writes, you should look toward PostgreSQL. But for 90% of projects, SQLite performance is more than sufficient.
Pain Points
- No built-in migrations (you need to write scripts)
- The community is still small, with few third-party libraries
- No built-in WebSocket support (SSE only)
- Vertical scaling only through database file replication
Verdict
PocketBase is a breath of fresh air for frontend developers who need a simple backend without DevOps hassle. One file, starts in a second, everything works.