PocketBase: Free Open Source Backend as a Service Platform
Tags: backendasaservice, opensourcesoftwares, opensource, elestio
Published: 2023-12-11 06:33:48

---
title: PocketBase: Free Open Source Backend as a Service Platform
published: true
date: 2023-12-03 23:19:30 UTC
cover_image: https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/lfrh1ie973u4o7uyz7qt.png
tags: BackendAsaService,Opensourcesoftwares, opensource, elestio
canonical_url: https://blog.elest.io/pocketbase-free-open-source-backend-as-a-service-platform/
---

 ![PocketBase: Free Open Source Backend as a Service Platform](https://blog.elest.io/content/images/2023/12/pocketbase.png)

Backend as a Service is the solution for developers who want to focus on building web and mobile apps without worrying about the backend infrastructure.  
BaaS providers offer a set of tools and services that help developers build apps faster and easier.  
It generally includes Database, Authentication, File Storage, Functions, Emails, and more... [PocketBase](https://elest.io/open-source/pocketbase?ref=blog.elest.io) emerges as a versatile and free open-source BaaS platform, providing developers with a comprehensive set of tools to streamline backend development.

<iframe width="200" height="113" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kOOj3FY8w94?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen title="PocketBase: Free Open Source Backend as a Service Platform"></iframe>
_Watch our PocketBase platform overview_

## **Architecture**

Built in GO and leveraging SQLite as its database, PocketBase boasts a robust architecture designed for efficiency and speed. The server-sent events (SSE) for real-time database events add a layer of responsiveness to the architecture.

## **Authentication & Authorization**

PocketBase offers a flexible authentication system supporting various methods, including email, username, phone, and popular social connectors. The authorization system operates on defined rules based on actions and roles, providing developers with fine-grained control.

## **Database & Realtime**

With SQLite as its backbone, PocketBase ensures reliable and scalable database operations. The integration of SSE ensures real-time updates, enhancing the responsiveness of applications built on the platform.

## **File Storage**

PocketBase facilitates direct file storage on the server, coupled with an image resizing API for creating thumbnails. Additionally, it offers seamless integration with external S3-compatible providers for extended storage options.

## **Functions, Webhooks, and Cron Jobs**

Enabling extensibility, PocketBase supports the execution of functions, webhooks, and cron jobs. This feature-rich capability allows developers to create dynamic and interactive applications.

## **Emails**

PocketBase offers customizable transactional emails, including signup confirmations and forgotten password notifications. This ensures a personalized and user-friendly communication experience.

## **SDK**

To communicate with your PocketBase backend, [SDKs in JavaScript/TypeScript and Dart](https://pocketbase.io/docs/client-side-sdks?ref=blog.elest.io) are provided. Ideal for web and mobile application development. For developers using other languages, a Rest API is available.

## **Conclusion**

[PocketBase](https://elest.io/open-source/pocketbase?ref=blog.elest.io) stands as a formidable alternative in BaaS, challenging proprietary solutions like Firebase and other open-source platforms such as Supabase and Appwrite.

With its feature-rich architecture, extensive customization options, and a commitment to open-source principles, PocketBase empowers developers to create scalable and innovative applications without the constraints of traditional backend development.

PocketBase beckons with the promise of a robust, scalable, open, and free platform for transforming your backend development experience. [Give it a try on Elestio.](https://elest.io/open-source/pocketbase?ref=blog.elest.io)