Appwrite: Supercharge Your Backend Like a 100-Person Team

What is Appwrite?

Appwrite is a Docker-based open-source backend platform that supports web, mobile, and Flutter apps. It provides a full suite of backend services—including user authentication, database management, file storage, cloud functions, and real-time features—all accessible via simple APIs. Appwrite allows developers to build secure, scalable applications without writing boilerplate backend code.

Key Features

1. Authentication and Authorization

Multiple login methods: email/password, OAuth, anonymous login, magic links, and more
Built-in team and role management with fine-grained permission controls
Custom SMTP support and email templates for personalized communication

2. Database Management

Scalable, reliable database engine with in-memory caching
Advanced permission models and field-level validation
Foreign key support for managing data relationships

3. File Storage

Secure file uploads, storage, and access management
Built-in image transformations and WebP/Brotli compression support

4. Cloud Functions

Supports deployment from GitHub or via CLI/event triggers/HTTP
Compatible with over 30 runtimes in 13 languages (Node.js, Python, PHP, Dart, etc.)
Custom domain support for seamless integration

5. Realtime Services

Subscribe to real-time events across auth, database, storage, and functions
Granular permissions ensure secure event delivery
Supports unlimited subscriptions for high-concurrency environments

6. Messaging (Beta)

Supports push notifications, emails, SMS, and more
Draft and preview features for message content
User segmentation and geo-targeting for better delivery

Technical Architecture

Appwrite is built using a microservices architecture and runs entirely in Docker containers, making it easy to deploy locally, in the cloud, or on private servers. Its API layer supports REST, WebSocket, and GraphQL protocols, catering to various development needs. Appwrite also includes worker-based background task processing, powered by message queues, to ensure resource efficiency and performance at scale.