Hasura
APIInstant GraphQL & REST APIs with built-in authorization
Overview
Hasura is an open-source engine that generates production-ready GraphQL and REST APIs from SQL databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server) instantly. It auto-creates GraphQL endpoints for queries, mutations, and real-time subscriptions, plus REST endpoints via Actions or Remote Schemas. Responses are JSON-formatted. Use cases include rapid backend prototyping, building real-time apps (chat, dashboards), integrating legacy REST APIs into a unified layer, and enforcing fine-grained authorization (role-based, row/column-level) without custom code.
Example Integration (JavaScript)
fetch('https://hasura.io/opensource/')
.then(res => res.json())
.then(data => console.log(data))
.catch(err => console.error(err)); Key Features
- Instant GraphQL & REST API generation
- Real-time subscriptions support
- Built-in fine-grained authorization
- Multiple SQL database compatibility
- Remote schemas & REST Actions integration
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Hasura free to use?
Yes, Hasura's open-source core is completely free. There's also a freemium cloud version (Hasura Cloud) with managed services and paid tiers for higher scalability needs.
? Does Hasura require an API key?
Self-hosted open-source Hasura doesn't need an API key (authentication is configurable). Hasura Cloud uses API keys for project management via its API, but client requests to APIs don't require keys if properly authenticated.
? What is the response format for Hasura APIs?
Hasura returns JSON for all GraphQL and REST API responses, which is standard for modern web and mobile applications.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Hasura
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Saves backend development time with auto-generated APIs
- ⊕ Out-of-the-box role-based access control (RBAC)
- ⊕ Real-time data sync via GraphQL subscriptions
- ⊕ Open-source core with active community
- ⊕ Seamless integration with existing APIs/services
Cons
- ⊖ Steeper learning curve for advanced features like Actions
- ⊖ Requires a SQL database as the base (limited NoSQL support)
- ⊖ Cloud version has usage limits in free tier
- ⊖ Custom logic may need external services (Actions/Remote Schemas)