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A Database That ScalesWith Your Ambition

A MongoDB backend with real-time sync, auto-generated APIs, built-in security, and a visual data browser — designed to help teams build and scale faster.

Auto-generated APIs
SQL-like Queries
Visual Data Browser
Real-time LiveQuery

Built on MongoDB,Extended for Application Development

Back4app removes the operational overhead and layers application-level features on top — APIs, a visual data browser, authentication, real-time sync, and security — so teams can focus on building their apps.

Client / SDKs
RESTGRAPHQL
Backend Layer
Data Foundation
Document-based storage

Flexible schemas that evolve as your application grows

Application Backend Layer

APIs, authentication, real-time sync, and security — out of the box

Native MongoDB Capabilities

Aggregations, transactions, and native queries

Database Superpowers

More than just data storage

Back4app adds powerful application-level features on top of MongoDB — relations, real-time sync, security, and geo queries.

01Relational Queries

Relational Queries on a Document Database

Back4app introduces relations, pointers, and joins — giving you the best of both NoSQL flexibility and SQL-like querying. Model complex relationships without sacrificing MongoDB's document-based power.

  • Pointers for one-to-one references between objects
  • Relations for many-to-many associations
  • Include queries to fetch related data (like SQL JOINs)
  • Compound queries with multiple constraints
  • Sorting, pagination, and aggregation support

Query like SQL, store like NoSQL.

Order
customer→ User
products⇆ Product[]
total$149.99
User (included)
nameJohn Doe
02Real-Time Sync

LiveQuery — Data That Syncs Itself

Subscribe to data changes and get updates pushed to your app instantly. No polling, no WebSocket boilerplate. Build reactive, collaborative applications with real-time data synchronization.

  • Subscribe to any query for live updates
  • Instant notifications on create, update, delete
  • Automatic reconnection handling
  • Works with iOS, Android, and Web SDKs
  • Efficient WebSocket-based communication

Real-time by default, not as an afterthought.

Sarah
Alex
You
03Security & ACLs

Security Built Into Every Object

Granular permissions at the class, object, and field level. Define who can read, write, or modify data — without writing custom middleware. Security is a first-class citizen.

  • ACLs (Access Control Lists) per individual object
  • CLPs (Class Level Permissions) for schema-wide rules
  • Role-based access control (RBAC)
  • Field-level security for sensitive data
  • Protected fields that only server-side code can modify

Defense in depth, built into the data layer.

Object ACL
Owner
readwrite
role:Admin
readwrite
Public
readwrite
04Geo & Location

Location-Aware Data

Store GeoPoints and Polygons natively. Run proximity searches, containment queries, and location-based filtering out of the box. Perfect for delivery, logistics, and social apps.

  • GeoPoint type for latitude/longitude coordinates
  • GeoWithin queries for polygon containment
  • Near queries with distance-based sorting
  • Geo-fencing support for location triggers
  • Works seamlessly with mobile device GPS

Location intelligence without external services.

Query: within 5km radius
Visual Interface

A Spreadsheet-Like Interface for Your Database

Model schemas, browse data, and run queries — all from an intuitive visual dashboard. No SQL or command line required. Perfect for developers and non-technical team members alike.

Create and edit classes visually
Run queries with point-and-click filters
View and navigate relationships
Import/export data in CSV or JSON
View real-time data updates
Database Browser
objectIdnamepricecategoryinStock
xK7mQ9nRWireless Headphones$79.99→ Electronicstrue
pL3nT5vWUSB-C Cable$12.99→ Accessoriestrue
qR8sY2zASmart Watch$249.00→ Electronicsfalse
mN4pK7wXLaptop Stand$45.00→ Accessoriestrue
Back4app AI Agent
Natural language database operations
Show me all orders from last week with total > $100
Found 23 orders. Total revenue: $4,521.50
MCP Protocol Compatible
AI-Powered Access

Talk to Your Database with AI

Go beyond visual interfaces. Interact with your database using natural language through Back4app's AI Agent, or connect your favorite AI tools via the MCP (Model Context Protocol) integration.

Query data using natural language prompts
Create, update, and delete records conversationally
Generate reports and analytics with AI assistance
Connect via MCP to Claude, Cursor, and other AI tools
Automate database tasks with AI-powered workflows
API Access

Access Your Data Your Way

Auto-generated APIs for every class. Choose GraphQL, REST, or native SDKs for iOS, Android, JavaScript, Flutter, and more.

GraphQL

Auto-generated

A complete GraphQL API auto-generated from your schema. Query with type safety and auto-complete.

query GetProducts {
  products(
    where: { price: { lessThan: 100 } }
    order: [createdAt_DESC]
    first: 10
  ) {
    edges {
      node {
        objectId
        name
        price
        category { name }
      }
    }
  }
}

SDKs for every platform

iOSAndroidJavaScriptFlutterDartPHP.NETArduino
Infrastructure

Built for Scale & Reliability

Enterprise-grade infrastructure designed to scale with your application—from prototype to millions of users—with data hosted on MongoDB Atlas or DigitalOcean Managed Databases.

Auto-Scaling

Automatic scaling based on demand. Handle traffic spikes without manual intervention or downtime.

Multi-Region

Deploy to the region closest to your users. Reduce latency and meet data residency requirements.

Global CDN

File and asset delivery through a global CDN for low latency anywhere in the world.

Automatic Backups

Daily automated backups to keep your data safe. Point-in-time recovery available as an optional add-on.

Use Cases

Build Any Application

From startups to enterprises, Back4App powers applications across every industry.

E-Commerce

Product catalogs, inventory management, order tracking, and customer data with real-time updates.

Internal Tools

Admin dashboards, employee portals, workflow management, and business process automation.

CRUD Applications

Data management apps, content management systems, and form-based applications with full CRUD operations.

Social & Messaging

User profiles, posts, comments, likes, real-time chat, and activity feeds with instant sync.

IoT & Sensors

Time-series data from devices, real-time monitoring dashboards, and automated alerts.

Gaming

Leaderboards, player profiles, game state sync, matchmaking, and in-app purchases.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What database does Back4app use?
Back4app uses MongoDB as the underlying database, hosted on MongoDB Atlas or DigitalOcean Managed Databases. You get all the flexibility of a document database with application-level features built on top.
Can I run native MongoDB queries and aggregations?
Yes. While Back4app provides a simplified query API through SDKs, you also have access to native MongoDB features like aggregation pipelines, transactions, and direct database access for advanced use cases.
What's the difference between Back4app and using MongoDB directly?
Back4app adds an application backend layer on top of MongoDB — auto-generated REST/GraphQL APIs, authentication, real-time sync (LiveQuery), file storage, security (ACLs/CLPs), and a visual data browser. You skip months of backend development.
How is my data secured?
Data is encrypted at rest and in transit. Back4app provides granular security through ACLs (per-object permissions), CLPs (class-level permissions), and role-based access control. You control exactly who can read or write each piece of data.
Is Back4app GDPR compliant?
Yes. Back4app supports GDPR compliance with data residency options, data export capabilities, and deletion workflows.
What SDKs does Back4app support?
Back4app supports SDKs for iOS, Android, JavaScript, Flutter, Dart, PHP, .NET, and Arduino. You can also use auto-generated REST and GraphQL APIs with any HTTP client.
Does Back4app support real-time data synchronization?
Yes. Back4app includes LiveQuery, which allows you to subscribe to data changes and receive instant updates via WebSockets. No polling required — your app stays in sync automatically.
Can I access my database with AI tools?
Yes. Back4app supports the Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing you to connect AI tools like Claude, Cursor, and others to interact with your database using natural language queries.

Your Backend, Simplified

Start building with a production-ready backend. No credit card required. Free tier includes 25K API requests/month.