Pocketbase – open-source realtime back end in 1 file (pocketbase.io)

Article summary

Pocketbase is an open-source, real-time backend that includes an embedded database with schema builder, data validations, and a REST API. It also supports user management, file storage, and OAuth2 sign-ups. The backend can be used as a standalone application or extended via Go and JavaScript hooks. Pocketbase aims to provide a simple and easy-to-use solution for building applications.

Main themes

• Real-time backend
• Embedded database
• User management
• REST API
• Open-source
• Comparison with Supabase

What commenters say

• Some users view Pocketbase as a simpler alternative to Supabase, with a more straightforward setup and fewer operational complexities.
• The project's claim of being a '1 file' solution is misleading, as it refers to a static Go binary with compiled assets rather than a single source code file.
• Pocketbase's admin UI is polished and user-friendly, but has some limitations, such as not being optimized for mobile devices.
• Trailbase, a similar project written in Rust, is seen as a viable alternative to Pocketbase, with some users preferring its features and design.
• Some users have experienced issues with Pocketbase's real-time subscriptions, finding them buggy and hard to debug.
• The project's comparison page with Supabase is praised for its honesty and humility, providing a refreshing change from typical marketing materials.
• Pocketbase's limitations, such as not supporting nullable columns, have led some users to switch to alternative solutions like Trailbase.
• The decision to switch from Pocketbase to Trailbase or vice versa depends on individual project needs and priorities, with some users finding Pocketbase sufficient for their requirements.