PocketBase is an open-source backend framework written in Go that packages everything needed for a backend into a single portable executable. It provides an embedded SQLite database with realtime subscriptions, built-in file storage and user management, an admin dashboard UI, and a REST API — all without external dependencies. This makes it ideal for prototyping, small-to-medium applications, and scenarios where deployment simplicity is paramount.

Architecture and Features

PocketBase uses SQLite as its embedded database engine, which means zero database setup and administration. It supports realtime subscriptions via Server-Sent Events, allowing clients to receive live updates when data changes. The built-in admin dashboard provides a visual interface for managing collections, records, users, and settings. Authentication supports email/password, OAuth2 providers, and API keys out of the box.

Extensibility

PocketBase can be extended in two ways. As a Go library, developers can import PocketBase into their own Go applications and add custom routes, hooks, and business logic while still producing a single executable. Alternatively, the prebuilt executable includes a JavaScript VM (powered by Goja) that allows extending PocketBase with JavaScript without recompiling. Official SDK clients are available for JavaScript (Browser, Node.js, React Native) and Dart (Web, Mobile, Desktop, CLI).

Agent Integration

An AI agent can use PocketBase as a lightweight backend for agent state management, conversation history storage, user session tracking, and file management. The REST API enables agents to create and query collections, manage user authentication, store and retrieve files, and subscribe to realtime data changes. The single-binary deployment model makes it trivial to spin up backends for agent-powered applications without infrastructure complexity.