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Parse Server

Self‑hosted Node.js backend compatible with MongoDB, PostgreSQL, and GraphQL

Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS)

Parse Server provides a flexible, self‑hosted backend for mobile and web apps, supporting Express, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Docker, Live Query, and GraphQL, with extensive configuration options.

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Overview

Overview

Parse Server is a self‑hosted backend that runs on any Node.js‑compatible infrastructure. It can be added to existing Express applications or operated as a standalone service, giving developers full control over deployment, scaling, and security.

Capabilities & Deployment

The server supports multiple data stores—including MongoDB, PostgreSQL (with PostGIS), and custom adapters—plus built‑in features such as Live Query for real‑time updates and a GraphQL endpoint alongside the traditional REST API. Quick start options include a local npm installation, Docker images, or the CLI, and long‑term‑support (LTS) branches provide security updates for previous major versions.

Who It Serves

Ideal for teams that need a customizable backend, want to retain ownership of their data, or require both REST and GraphQL interfaces. While it offers extensive flexibility, users must manage their own hosting environment and stay current with security patches.

Highlights

Supports MongoDB, PostgreSQL, and custom file adapters
Built‑in Live Query for real‑time data
GraphQL endpoint alongside REST API
Deployable via Docker, CLI, or directly with Express

Pros

  • Highly extensible via Cloud Code and custom routes
  • Runs on any Node.js‑compatible environment
  • Active community and LTS releases
  • Multiple database adapters give flexibility

Considerations

  • Requires self‑hosting and operational overhead
  • Security patches for LTS rely on community contributions
  • No native UI dashboard for data management
  • Performance tuning depends on chosen database

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Fit guide

Great for

  • Teams building custom mobile or web backends needing full control
  • Projects that already use Node.js/Express and want integrated data layer
  • Applications requiring real‑time updates via Live Query
  • Developers wanting to expose both REST and GraphQL APIs

Not ideal when

  • Organizations preferring fully managed BaaS solutions
  • Teams without Node.js or DevOps expertise
  • Small prototypes where setup time outweighs benefits
  • Use cases demanding built‑in analytics dashboards

How teams use it

Real‑time chat app backend

Live Query delivers instant message updates to connected clients

E‑commerce site with Express

Parse Server stores product and order data in PostgreSQL, handling authentication and ACLs

Migration from Parse.com

Seamless transition using identical SDKs while self‑hosting data

GraphQL API for existing mobile app

Expose data via GraphQL for flexible client queries alongside REST endpoints

Tech snapshot

JavaScript98%
TypeScript1%
HTML1%
Shell1%
Handlebars1%
Dockerfile1%

Tags

graphql-serverrelayparse-serverrest-apigraphql-relayhacktoberfestparse-platformgraphqlgraphql-apiobject-storagenodejspostgresnotificationsbaasmbaasmongodbfile-storagebackend

Frequently asked questions

How do I start Parse Server locally?

Install globally with `npm install -g parse-server mongodb-runner`, start MongoDB via `mongodb-runner start`, then run `parse-server --appId YOUR_APP_ID --masterKey YOUR_MASTER_KEY --databaseURI mongodb://localhost/test`.

Can I run Parse Server with Docker?

Yes. Build the image (`docker build -t parse-server .`) and run it, linking a MongoDB container and exposing port 1337. Add volume mounts for config or Cloud Code as needed.

Which databases are officially supported?

MongoDB and PostgreSQL (with PostGIS) are officially tested. Custom adapters can be used for other storage solutions.

What is the purpose of LTS branches?

LTS branches provide security updates for the previous major version, allowing projects to stay on a stable release while the main branch advances.

How do I add Cloud Code to a Docker deployment?

Mount a volume containing your Cloud Code directory and pass `--cloud /parse-server/cloud/main.js` when starting the container.

Project at a glance

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LicenseApache-2.0
Repo age9 years old
Last commit2 days ago
Primary languageJavaScript

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