Backendless is a visual no-code development platform that offers users the ability to create and manage their backend without writing any code. It provides database, user authentication, API generation, and other backend services in a straightforward, visual interface. It offers tools and features for frontend and backend development, allowing users to build apps and websites seamlessly for both web and mobile platforms.
Key Features
- Visual UI Builder: Enables rapid creation of aesthetically pleasing user interfaces for both apps and websites.
- Codeless Logic: Users can define both frontend and backend logic without writing any actual code. This feature translates graphical inputs into functional JavaScript.
- Seamless API Integration: Easily integrate Backendless APIs into your frontend, providing streamlined communication with the backend and powerful functionality.
- Responsive Design: Design once and deploy everywhere; the platform automatically adapts applications to work optimally on both web and mobile platforms.
- Visual Real-time Database: An intuitive, fast, and scalable backend database system that supports real-time operations.
- Database Management Tools: Includes a visual schema modeler, real-time relational databases, and tools for managing data relationships with ease.
- Instant Data Access: Leverage prebuilt APIs for various client applications or design custom ones with or without code.
- Backend Management: Incorporates a wide range of user management features, including support for over 18 third-party authentication providers, session management tools, custom email automation, push notifications, and a scalable serverless infrastructure.
- Backendless Core: A comprehensive backend solution with functionalities like user authentication, data persistence, file storage, messaging, and custom business logic implementation.
- API Services: Transforms any deployed code or logic into an API microservice, complete with its own SDKs and REST APIs.
- Static & Dynamic File Storage: A high-performing storage system suitable for deploying web applications, mobile app home pages, or storing static content.
Use Cases
- Rapid application development for both web and mobile.
- Building MVPs without worrying about backend intricacies.
- Developing real-time chat applications.
- Seamless integration of frontend and backend without manual coding.
Pricing
Backendless offers several pricing plans to cater to different needs:
Backendless Cloud: This is the starting point for most users. It’s free to start and you can experience all the features of the platform without needing a credit card. It offers two sub-plans:
- Free Plan: Designed for exploring and learning the platform. It includes 50 API requests/minute, 10 database tables, and 1 GB file storage.
- Scale Plan: Starts at $15 per month. This is where you develop, publish, and manage your application once it’s live. It includes unlimited API requests/month, 100 database tables, and 10 GB file storage.
Backendless Pro: This is an on-premise product with no functional limitations. You can install an instance of the Backendless Platform anywhere – on a developer’s computer, private data center, or public cloud. The pricing starts at $10,000 per year.
Managed Backendless: This is a fully managed service where a dedicated cluster running the Backendless Platform is staged exclusively for your app/company. The service is fully managed – Backendless monitors the installation 24×7 to ensure its smooth and reliable operation. For pricing details, you need to contact Backendless directly as it’s tailored to each customer’s specific needs.
For more information about their pricing, please visit the official Backendless pricing page.
User Experience
The platform emphasizes simplicity and visual management, making it beginner-friendly. The UI is intuitive, allowing developers to drag and drop components and configure backend logic visually. There might be a slight learning curve for those completely new to backend concepts, but the platform offers ample resources to guide them.
Customer Support
Backendless provides a range of support options, including email support and a comprehensive knowledge base. Depending on the pricing tier, users might also have access to priority support and dedicated customer service.
Community and Learning Resources
Backendless offers a range of resources for learning, including guides, tutorials, and more, making it easy for users to grasp the platform.
Security and Reliability
Backendless offers SSL support, user roles, and permissions to ensure data integrity and security. Additionally, the platform’s cloud infrastructure ensures high availability and performance, ensuring applications remain reliable.
Integration
Backendless integrates with several platforms including FlutterFlow, Bubble.io, Thunkable, Adalo, AppGyver, Zapier, and Make.
