DreamFactory

Self-Hosted

Open-source API generation & management platform for rapid app development

Overview

DreamFactory auto-generates REST APIs for databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB) and 200+ services without boilerplate code. It supports Docker/Kubernetes deployment for self-hosting, with built-in authentication (OAuth2, JWT), rate limiting, and API versioning. The open-source core reduces API development time, while enterprise tiers offer advanced security and scaling. Ideal for teams wanting to avoid vendor lock-in and build apps faster.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  dreamfactory:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: dreamfactory
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Auto-generate REST APIs for databases & services
Authentication (OAuth2, JWT) & authorization controls
API lifecycle management (rate limiting, versioning)
Docker/Kubernetes deployment support
Integration with 200+ data sources/services

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is DreamFactory hard to install?

DreamFactory is easy to deploy via Docker or Kubernetes, with step-by-step docs for quick setup. Traditional LAMP stack installations are also possible but need basic server admin knowledge. The Docker option is recommended for most users to minimize configuration effort.

? Is DreamFactory a good alternative to proprietary API tools?

Yes—its open-source core competes with tools like Apigee or MuleSoft for API generation/management. It prioritizes self-hosting and cost savings, while paid tiers unlock enterprise features. Ideal for teams wanting control over their API infrastructure.

? Is DreamFactory completely free?

The Community Edition is open-source and free for self-hosted use. Paid Enterprise tiers are available for advanced features like multi-tenancy, 24/7 support, and scaling for large organizations. No hidden costs for the core open-source version.

Top Alternatives

Apigee (Google Cloud) Search Google

MuleSoft Anypoint Platform Search Google

AWS API Gateway Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Software Development - API Management

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Self-hosted for privacy & vendor lock-in avoidance
⊕ Cuts API development time by up to 80%
⊕ Supports multiple databases and third-party services
⊕ Open-source core with Apache 2.0 license

Cons

⊖ Steeper learning curve for advanced configurations
⊖ Enterprise features (multi-tenancy, SLA support) require paid tiers
⊖ Limited official support for the community edition