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Userbase
Add secure user accounts and encrypted storage to static sites
Userbase provides a JavaScript SDK that adds authentication and client‑side encrypted data storage to static HTML/JS/CSS sites, eliminating the need for a backend or server‑managed database.
Overview
Overview
Userbase is a lightweight solution for developers who want to turn a static website into a fully‑featured web app without writing any server code. By embedding a simple JavaScript SDK, you gain built‑in user registration, login, and logout flows, plus a zero‑management database that lives in the browser.
How it works
All data operations are encrypted end‑to‑end with keys controlled by the user, ensuring privacy and simplifying GDPR compliance. The SDK handles encryption, decryption, and persistence locally, while an optional self‑hosted server (deployable on AWS) coordinates user keys. Because the database runs client‑side, there is no traditional backend to maintain, and you can host the entire stack yourself under an MIT license or use the provided serverless service.
Userbase is ideal for static sites built with plain JavaScript, HTML, and CSS that need secure authentication and private data storage, offering a fast path from prototype to production.
Highlights
Built‑in user account management (sign‑up, login, logout)
Zero‑management client‑side database
End‑to‑end encryption with user‑controlled keys
Simple JavaScript SDK, no backend code required
Pros
- No backend development needed
- Strong client‑side encryption for privacy
- Quick integration via a single SDK
- MIT‑licensed and self‑hostable
Considerations
- Database queries run in the browser, limited by client resources
- Designed for static site architectures only
- Self‑hosting requires AWS credentials and setup
- No built‑in server‑side business logic
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Fit guide
Great for
- Developers building static web apps that need authentication
- Teams seeking GDPR‑friendly data handling without a server
- Solo creators who want rapid launch with minimal infrastructure
- Projects that can store user data client‑side
Not ideal when
- Applications requiring complex server‑side processing
- Real‑time multi‑user collaboration beyond client storage
- Large binary file storage or heavy data workloads
- Environments without access to AWS for self‑hosting
How teams use it
Personal task manager
Users sign up and keep their tasks encrypted locally, accessible across devices.
Survey form
Collect respondent answers securely without a server, storing each response in the browser.
Private notes app
Persist private notes with end‑to‑end encryption, visible only to the logged‑in user.
Simple e‑commerce cart
Store cart items per user securely, eliminating server‑side session handling.
Tech snapshot
JavaScript92%
C3%
HTML2%
CSS1%
TypeScript1%
Objective-C1%
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to write any backend code?
No. All authentication and data storage are handled by the Userbase SDK in the browser.
How is the data encrypted?
Userbase encrypts every database operation in the browser using keys that only the user controls.
Can I host Userbase myself?
Yes. The project is MIT‑licensed and can be self‑hosted on AWS or used as a fully managed service.
Does Userbase help with GDPR compliance?
End‑to‑end encryption means personal data never leaves the user’s device, simplifying GDPR requirements.
Which browsers are supported?
Modern browsers that implement the Web Crypto API, such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
Project at a glance
Dormant- Stars
- 2,325
- Watchers
- 2,325
- Forks
- 124
LicenseMIT
Repo age6 years old
Last commit2 years ago
Primary languageJavaScript
Last synced yesterday