What Is PocketBase? A Complete Backend in a Single File

Building a backend from scratch — database, authentication, file storage, real-time subscriptions, REST API — typically takes weeks and a team of engineers. PocketBase does all of it in a single executable file under 30MB. It's the fastest way from zero to a working backend, and it's completely open-source.

What Does PocketBase Include?

PocketBase is a complete backend-as-a-service you can self-host: - SQLite database with automatic schema management - REST API auto-generated from your collections - Authentication (email/password, OAuth2 — Google, GitHub, Discord, etc.) - File storage with image thumbnails - Real-time subscriptions via SSE - Admin UI for managing data and users - JavaScript hooks for custom server-side logic

PocketBase vs Firebase vs Supabase

Firebase: Google-hosted, generous free tier, but proprietary and vendor lock-in. Supabase: Open-source Firebase alternative, PostgreSQL-based, cloud or self-hosted. PocketBase: Single binary, SQLite, zero dependencies, runs anywhere including Raspberry Pi. PocketBase is the right choice when you want maximum simplicity, zero infrastructure overhead, and full data ownership.

Try PocketBase on Diguz

Launch a live PocketBase instance at diguz.com/tools/pocketbase. Click Run Now and in 60 seconds you'll have a working PocketBase admin panel with a unique URL. Create collections, add fields, test auth flows, explore the API — all without installing anything.

Who Uses PocketBase?

PocketBase is popular among indie hackers, solo developers, and small teams building MVPs. Because it's a single binary with no external dependencies, it can be deployed to any VPS, serverless platform, or even a home server. Many developers use it as a backend for side projects, internal tools, and mobile apps — where Firebase or Supabase would be overkill.