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Open-Source DevOps · 1backend

1backend

1Backend is a self-hosted, AI-native platform for building microservices and microfrontends without early infrastructure overhead. It handles authentication, multi-tenancy, routing, and LLM execution in containers, designed as a distributed operating system for applications.

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Source: GitHub — github.com/1backend/1backend
2.3k
GitHub stars
117
Forks
Go
Primary language
AGPL-3.0
License (OSI-approved)

Key facts

Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.

FieldValue
Repository1backend/1backend
Owner1backend
Primary languageGo
LicenseAGPL-3.0 — OSI-approved
Stars2.3k
Forks117
Open issues1
Latest releasev0.9.0 (2025-10-12)
Last updated2026-05-27
Sourcehttps://github.com/1backend/1backend

What 1backend is

Go-based full-stack framework providing service registry, API gateway, authentication, multi-tenant routing, containerized LLM support, and built-in ORM. Exposes services via HTTP routing with SDK support for Go and JavaScript; supports Docker-based deployment with configurable edge proxy and SSL.

Quickstart

Get the 1backend source

Clone the repository and explore it locally.

terminalbash
git clone https://github.com/1backend/1backend.gitcd 1backend# follow the project's README for install & configuration

Need it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.

Best use cases

Self-hosted AI application platforms

Organizations needing to run LLM-powered microservices on-premise with built-in container orchestration, zero-trust auth, and no vendor lock-in.

Multi-tenant SaaS backends

Building distributed applications where multiple tenants or services coexist on a single installation with isolated routing, credential management, and account isolation.

Rapid microservice prototyping

Teams bootstrapping distributed systems quickly without managing infrastructure, service discovery, or auth layers from scratch; includes CLI tooling and SDKs for fast iteration.

Implementation considerations

  • AGPL-3.0 license: any modifications or network use must have source code disclosed to users; review licensing implications before deployment.
  • Pre-1.0 release (v0.9.0): API stability and breaking changes possible; evaluate changelog and roadmap for compatibility concerns.
  • Docker-based deployment required; self-hosting infrastructure (compute, networking, SSL) is responsibility of operator.
  • Service account/credential model requires each microservice to manage its own auth; integration with existing identity systems (LDAP, OIDC) not clearly documented.
  • Built-in ORM locks you into 1Backend data layer; migration complexity if future database switching is needed.

When to avoid it — and what to weigh

  • Commercial closed-source deployments requiring permissive licensing — AGPL-3.0 requires disclosure of source code and modifications to all users. Proprietary use requires careful review or commercial licensing arrangement (Unknown if available).
  • Mature production environments requiring stable, long-term support — Latest release is v0.9.0 (pre-1.0). Active development is evident, but stability guarantees and enterprise SLA commitments are not stated.
  • Organizations with strict lock-in avoidance on data stores — Platform includes custom ORM; dependency on 1Backend's data abstraction layer may complicate future migration or multi-database strategies.
  • Small teams without DevOps capacity or container expertise — Requires Docker, understanding of microservice patterns, and manual server configuration. No managed cloud offering mentioned; self-hosting burden is significant.

License & commercial use

Licensed under AGPL-3.0 (GNU Affero General Public License v3.0). This is a copyleft license requiring source code disclosure to all network users and licensees. Any modifications must be shared under the same license.

AGPL-3.0 is not a permissive OSI license suitable for closed-source commercial products without source disclosure. Internal/on-premise use may be allowed, but any SaaS or network-exposed derivative requires source release. Commercial licensing or exceptions: Unknown—requires direct contact with maintainers.

DEV.co evaluation signals

Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.

SignalAssessment
MaintenanceActive
DocumentationAdequate
License clarityClear
Deployment complexityModerate
DEV.co fitGood
Assessment confidenceMedium
Security considerations

Platform claims zero-trust architecture and built-in auth/multi-tenancy. No third-party security audit, penetration test results, or vulnerability disclosure policy mentioned. Self-hosting security posture depends entirely on operator's infrastructure hardening. AGPL-3.0 source availability aids review but does not guarantee secure design. Service credential management model requires careful operational discipline.

Alternatives to consider

Kubernetes + custom ingress + auth middleware

Lower-level but more flexible; no licensing constraints; industry standard with mature ecosystem; higher operational overhead.

OpenFaaS or Knative

Dedicated serverless/function-as-a-service platforms; simpler for event-driven workloads; less monolithic; permissively licensed.

Hasura / Supabase

PostgreSQL-first backends with automatic API generation; strong open-source community; more mature; permissively licensed (Apache 2.0).

Software development agency

Build on 1backend with DEV.co software developers

Review the AGPL-3.0 licensing terms, validate security posture for your threat model, and test the Docker quickstart in a sandbox environment before committing to production adoption.

Talk to DEV.co

Related open-source tools

Surfaced by semantic similarity across the DEV.co open-source index.

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Related on DEV.co

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1backend FAQ

Can I use 1Backend commercially without open-sourcing my code?
Not under AGPL-3.0 without explicit exemption from maintainers. Any network-exposed use requires source disclosure. Internal on-premise use may be possible but needs legal review. Contact maintainers for commercial licensing terms.
What databases does 1Backend support?
Platform includes built-in ORM; choice of underlying database not clearly documented. Requires review of source or documentation to confirm PostgreSQL, MySQL, or other DB support.
Is there a managed/cloud version of 1Backend?
No. Self-hosting on your infrastructure is required. Docker Compose provided for local/staging; production deployment is operator's responsibility.
Can I integrate 1Backend with my existing auth system (LDAP, OKTA, Auth0)?
Not clearly documented. Built-in user and service account management exist, but federation with external identity providers requires further investigation and likely custom work.

From evaluation to production software

DEV.co builds and maintains open-source devops systems for startups through enterprises. If 1backend fits your architecture, our custom software development services cover implementation, migration, and the long tail of maintenance.

Evaluate 1Backend for your infrastructure

Review the AGPL-3.0 licensing terms, validate security posture for your threat model, and test the Docker quickstart in a sandbox environment before committing to production adoption.

Talk to DEV.coSchedule a Consultation