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instantdb/instant

Instant is a client-side database and backend for apps, providing queries, auth, permissions, storage, presence and real-time sync in one service.

Open-source alternative to:Firebase

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What is it?

Instant lets frontend developers read and write data with relational queries that are shaped like the data they want. The SDK handles data fetching, permission checks, offline caching, and optimistic updates with rollback, and every query is multiplayer by default so connected clients stay in sync.

Beyond persisted data, Instant supports ephemeral features such as cursors and online presence. SDKs are provided for vanilla JavaScript, React, and React Native, with the web client caching recent queries in IndexedDB and React Native using AsyncStorage.

On the server side, user data is stored as triples in Postgres, a Clojure sync server tails the Postgres WAL to invalidate affected queries, and access rules are evaluated with Google's CEL library.

Key features

  • 01Relational queries that return data in the shape you request
  • 02Optimistic updates with automatic rollback when writes fail
  • 03Offline caching in IndexedDB on web and AsyncStorage in React Native
  • 04Multiplayer real-time sync enabled by default for every query
  • 05Ephemeral presence features such as cursors and who's online
  • 06Permission rules evaluated with Google's CEL library

Use cases

  • Building real-time chat or collaborative apps without writing a custom backend
  • Prototyping full-stack apps quickly, including AI-generated code
  • Adding offline support and optimistic UI to React or React Native apps
  • Showing live presence indicators such as cursors or online users

Quick start

  1. 1

    Sign up for an account at instantdb.com

  2. 2

    Follow the getting started docs to create your first app in about 5 minutes

  3. 3

    Read the client and server READMEs to start Instant locally

Things to know

  • Contributing locally requires running the client and server READMEs' setup, which is not a simple one-command install.
  • The hosted service's pricing and availability depend on the Instant company, a single vendor.

Topics

#backend#real-time#database#react#offline-first#multiplayer#postgres

FAQ

What is instant?
Instant is a client-side database and backend for apps, providing queries, auth, permissions, storage, presence and real-time sync in one service. Instant lets frontend developers read and write data with relational queries that are shaped like the data they want. The SDK handles data fetching, permission checks, offline caching, and optimistic updates with rollback, and every query is multiplayer by default so connected clients stay in sync.
Is instant free to use? What license does it have?
instant is open source under the Apache-2.0 license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is instant still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to instant was on Oct 19, 2026.
What can I use instant for?
Building real-time chat or collaborative apps without writing a custom backend Prototyping full-stack apps quickly, including AI-generated code Adding offline support and optimistic UI to React or React Native apps Showing live presence indicators such as cursors or online users
How do I install instant?
Sign up for an account at instantdb.com Follow the getting started docs to create your first app in about 5 minutes Read the client and server READMEs to start Instant locally
Where can I get instant?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/instantdb/instant

Summary generated by AI from the project's README. GitHub stats refresh daily.

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