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Convex
Reactive TypeScript database for live-updating web applications
Convex is a reactive database with built-in server functions that enables developers to build dynamic, live-updating web apps using pure TypeScript with strong consistency guarantees.
Overview
What is Convex?
Convex is a reactive database platform designed to simplify web application development by combining data storage, server-side business logic, and real-time synchronization in a single TypeScript-first environment. Built with Rust for performance and reliability, it eliminates the complexity of traditional backend architectures.
Who Should Use It?
Convex targets web developers building dynamic applications that require live data updates—from real-time collaboration tools to interactive dashboards. Whether you're a solo developer prototyping a side project or a team scaling a production application, Convex provides both a managed cloud platform with a generous free tier and self-hosting options for full control.
Core Capabilities
Write queries, mutations, and business logic as pure TypeScript functions with strong consistency guarantees. The reactive architecture automatically propagates data changes to connected clients, eliminating manual polling or WebSocket management. The platform includes a database, server function runtime, client libraries, dashboard, and CLI.
Deployment Options
Deploy via the managed cloud platform for zero-maintenance operation, or self-host using Docker or prebuilt binaries. Self-hosted deployments integrate with Postgres, SQLite, Neon, RDS, and popular hosting platforms like Fly.io, Vercel, and Netlify. Development is led by the Convex team with regular synchronization from internal work.
Highlights
Reactive data synchronization with automatic client updates
Pure TypeScript server functions with strong consistency
Integrated database, runtime, and client libraries in one platform
Self-hosting support with Docker and multiple database backends
Pros
- TypeScript-first development eliminates context switching between languages
- Reactive architecture removes boilerplate for real-time features
- Generous free tier enables zero-cost operation for small projects
- Self-hosting option provides deployment flexibility and control
Considerations
- Rust-based backend may require specialized knowledge for deep customization
- Windows support has less production experience than Linux/Mac
- Self-hosted deployments include telemetry beacon (can be disabled)
- Relatively newer ecosystem compared to established database platforms
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Fit guide
Great for
- Real-time collaborative applications requiring live data synchronization
- TypeScript-centric teams wanting unified frontend and backend language
- Rapid prototyping with minimal infrastructure management overhead
- Projects needing both managed cloud and self-hosting deployment paths
Not ideal when
- Applications requiring polyglot server-side language support beyond TypeScript
- Teams needing Windows as primary production deployment environment
- Projects with strict requirements against any telemetry or beacons
- Use cases demanding mature ecosystem with extensive third-party integrations
How teams use it
Real-time Collaboration Tool
Build document editors or project management apps where multiple users see live updates without manual refresh logic
Interactive Dashboard
Create analytics dashboards that automatically reflect data changes as events occur, eliminating polling overhead
Side Project Deployment
Launch small applications on the free tier with zero infrastructure costs and automatic scaling as usage grows
Self-Hosted Enterprise App
Deploy on internal infrastructure with Postgres backend while maintaining full control over data residency and security
Tech snapshot
Rust51%
TypeScript40%
MDX4%
JavaScript3%
CSS1%
Python1%
Frequently asked questions
What makes Convex reactive?
Convex automatically propagates database changes to connected clients in real-time. When data updates, subscribed components re-render without manual polling or WebSocket management.
Can I self-host Convex?
Yes. Self-hosted Convex supports Docker or prebuilt binaries and works with Postgres, SQLite, Neon, RDS, and hosting platforms like Fly.io, Vercel, and Netlify. A self-hosting guide and Discord support channel are available.
Do I need to know Rust to use Convex?
No. Application development uses pure TypeScript for queries, mutations, and business logic. Rust powers the backend runtime but isn't required for building apps.
Is there a free tier?
Yes. The managed cloud platform includes a generous free tier suitable for small applications and side projects, enabling zero-cost operation with zero maintenance.
What is the telemetry beacon in self-hosted deployments?
Self-hosted builds send minimal anonymous data (deployment ID, migration version, git revision, uptime) to help improve the product. It can be disabled with the --disable-beacon flag.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
- 9,557
- Watchers
- 9,557
- Forks
- 537
Repo age1 year old
Last commit22 hours ago
Self-hostingSupported
Primary languageRust
Last synced 10 hours ago