What it does
PocketBase bundles SQLite, an API server, authentication, and an administration UI into a single executable. It can run standalone or be extended with custom application logic.
Why it’s interesting
The small deployment surface is useful for prototypes and internal tools. Review its current production guidance and migration notes before choosing it for a critical application.
Real-world use case
Prototype an internal notes dashboard with authenticated users, file attachments, and live record updates, without writing every CRUD endpoint.
What I can learn
- 01
Embedded application design
package database, web assets, and server together.
- 02
Realtime broadcasting
deliver record changes using Server-Sent Events.
- 03
Collection rules
enforce access policies close to stored data.
One thing to explore
API handlers and record lifecycle
Follow the implementation and connect it to the learning points above.
Explore the source (opens in a new tab)10-Minute Challenge
Create and query a local collection
Before you start: An official PocketBase binary. Use disposable demo data for the public collection.
- Download and extract the official PocketBase release for your operating system.
- Run ./pocketbase serve and follow the terminal’s setup link to create a superuser.
- Create a posts collection with title and content fields. For this local demo, allow public List/View access, add a record, then run the request below.
./pocketbase servecurl http://127.0.0.1:8090/api/collections/posts/records