Convex Backend is an open-source reactive database designed to streamline web application development for both developers and AI models. It provides a robust database, server function environment, and client libraries, enabling the creation of dynamic, real-time applications using TypeScript.

Convex allows AI models to securely fetch data and execute business logic with strong consistency. Its reactive database ensures that AI models receive real-time updates, crucial for applications requiring immediate data awareness. By offering both cloud and self-hosting options, including Docker support and compatibility with various databases like Neon and Postgres, Convex provides flexibility in deployment.

The core value lies in simplifying data access and management for AI models, reducing the complexity of integrating with external data sources. Developers benefit from using TypeScript for server functions and the ease of integrating with front-end applications through client libraries. This makes Convex a valuable tool for building AI-powered applications that require reliable, real-time data interaction.

Reactive Real-Time Database

Convex offers a reactive database system that automatically updates connected clients whenever data changes. This is achieved through a combination of server-side data management and client-side libraries that maintain a live connection to the database. When data is modified via server functions, Convex efficiently propagates these changes to all subscribed clients in real-time. This eliminates the need for manual polling or complex synchronization logic, simplifying the development of dynamic, data-driven applications. For example, in a collaborative document editing application, changes made by one user are instantly reflected in the interfaces of other users, creating a seamless and responsive experience. This reactivity is a core feature, ensuring data consistency and minimizing latency for end-users. The underlying technology leverages efficient data diffing and optimized transport protocols to minimize bandwidth usage and maximize performance.

TypeScript Server Functions

Convex allows developers to write server-side logic using TypeScript, providing a familiar and type-safe environment for building robust applications. These server functions are executed within the Convex backend and can interact directly with the reactive database. By using TypeScript, developers can leverage static typing, autocompletion, and other tooling benefits to reduce errors and improve code maintainability. This feature simplifies the process of defining data models, implementing business logic, and querying the database. For instance, a function could be written to validate user input before storing it in the database, ensuring data integrity. The use of TypeScript also facilitates code reuse and modularity, making it easier to build and scale complex applications. Convex provides a dedicated environment for these functions, ensuring secure and efficient execution.

Simplified Client Integration

Convex provides client libraries that streamline the integration of front-end applications with the Convex backend. These libraries offer a simple and intuitive API for querying the database, subscribing to real-time updates, and invoking server functions. By abstracting away the complexities of data synchronization and network communication, the client libraries enable developers to focus on building user interfaces and application logic. For example, a React component can easily subscribe to a specific query and automatically re-render whenever the underlying data changes. This simplifies the development of dynamic and responsive user interfaces. The client libraries are designed to be lightweight and efficient, minimizing the impact on front-end performance. They also handle authentication and authorization, ensuring secure access to the Convex backend.

Self-Hosting Flexibility

Convex offers the option for self-hosting, providing developers with greater control over their data and infrastructure. The self-hosted version includes most of the features available on the cloud platform, including the dashboard and CLI tools. This allows developers to deploy Convex on their own servers or cloud environments, such as Neon, Fly.io, Vercel, Netlify, RDS, Sqlite, and Postgres. Self-hosting provides flexibility in terms of data residency, compliance, and customization. For example, a company with strict data privacy requirements can choose to self-host Convex within their own secure infrastructure. The self-hosting option supports both Docker and prebuilt binaries, making it easy to set up and manage. Convex provides detailed documentation and community support to assist developers with the self-hosting process.