Why choose Pocketbase as your next SaaS or mobile app backend?

So you’re building a new SaaS app or mobile app and need a backend. You could go the traditional route of setting up servers, databases, and APIs from scratch. But let’s be real - ain’t nobody got time for that. Enter Pocketbase, the open-source backend that comes in a single executable file. Yeah, you read that right - one file to rule them all.

What’s the deal with Pocketbase?

Pocketbase is the brainchild of a single developer who apparently got fed up with overly complex backend setups. It packs a surprising punch for such a tiny package:

Realtime database powered by SQLite
Built-in authentication (email/password and OAuth)
File storage
Admin dashboard
REST API
Dart SDK
Web SDK
Easy to extend with hooks and migrations

All of this in a ~14MB executable. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of backends.

Why should you care?

A few reasons Pocketbase might be worth checking out:

Dead simple setup: Download, run, boom - you’ve got a backend. No need to wrangle with Docker or complicated cloud setups.
Open source and extensible: Unlike Firebase or other proprietary BaaS options, Pocketbase is open source. You can peek under the hood and even extend it with custom Go code if you’re feeling fancy.
No vendor lock-in: Since it’s just a standalone executable, you can run Pocketbase anywhere. Your basement server, DigitalOcean droplet, whatever. No cloud provider shenanigans.
Surprisingly powerful: Despite its simplicity, Pocketbase can handle real-time data, file uploads, user management, and more out of the box.
Active development: The creator is constantly improving Pocketbase and actually listens to user feedback. Wild concept, I know.
Dart SDK support: For all you Flutter devs out there, Pocketbase has got your back. There’s an official Dart SDK that makes integrating Pocketbase into your Flutter apps a breeze. No more wrestling with REST APIs directly - just use the SDK and get coding.

Is it production-ready?

Well, Pocketbase is still pre-1.0, so proceed with some caution. But plenty of devs are already using it for real projects. It’s probably overkill for the next Facebook, but for your side project or small to medium-sized SaaS? It could be just the ticket.

The bottom line

Pocketbase isn’t going to replace AWS for enterprise apps anytime soon. But for developers who just want to build cool stuff without drowning in backend complexity, it’s a breath of fresh air. Whether you’re building a web app or a Flutter mobile app, Pocketbase has you covered. Give it a spin - your future self (and your sanity) might thank you.

Check out Pocketbase and see for yourself. Happy coding!