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Apache CouchDB
Apache CouchDB · founded 2008
What it is
Apache CouchDB is free, open-source document database software for self-hosted servers or virtual machines. It stores named JSON documents with fields and binary attachments, without requiring a fixed schema, and provides a RESTful HTTP API for reading and updating them. Incremental replication synchronizes databases in both directions between peers, including after disconnections. The project describes this as support for offline-first applications across CouchDB clusters, mobile phones, and web browsers; PouchDB can replicate with CouchDB. A query engine supports views built from JavaScript map functions and optional reduce functions. Clusters can present one logical database across multiple servers or virtual machines for higher capacity and high availability. CouchDB uses an append-only file design, and document updates are described as ACID and all-or-nothing. Security includes administrator accounts, basic and cookie authentication, reader controls, and JavaScript update validation. Conflicting revisions can be retained for manual or automated resolution. It is licensed under Apache License 2.0.
For and against
For
- Free Apache License 2.0 software
- Flexible documents without fixed schema
- Bidirectional replication after disconnections
- Supports self-hosted clusters
- RESTful HTTP API
Against
- Self-hosted deployment requires servers or virtual machines
- Conflict resolution may require manual or automated handling
- No free trial is listed
The verdict
Apache CouchDB is a self-hosted document database focused on flexible documents, replication, and HTTP-based access. Its clustering, security controls, and offline-oriented synchronization support varied application architectures.
Who it suits
It suits developers and organizations needing a self-hosted document database, replication, offline-first applications, or clustered deployments.
Plans and prices
Apache CouchDB
Open-source database software · self-hosted on servers or VMs · single-node or cluster
Read 3 Oct 2026 · couchdb.apache.org
On the record
- Clustering
- A CouchDB cluster can run one logical database server across multiple servers or virtual machines, with higher capacity and high availability.couchdb.apache.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Conflict handling
- Replicas can retain conflicting document revisions, and CouchDB supports manual or automated conflict resolution.docs.couchdb.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Document model
- Documents can contain fields and attachments, and CouchDB does not require a fixed schema.docs.couchdb.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- PouchDB is built for mobile devices and web browsers and can replicate data with CouchDB.couchdb.apache.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- License
- The Apache CouchDB website identifies the software as licensed under the Apache License 2.0.couchdb.apache.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Offline applications
- The project describes replication between CouchDB server clusters, mobile phones, and web browsers as enabling offline-first applications.couchdb.apache.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Project founded
- The Apache Software Foundation records the Apache CouchDB project as founded on 2008-11-19.apache.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Querying
- CouchDB includes a query engine and supports views built with JavaScript map functions and optional reduce functions.docs.couchdb.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Reliability
- CouchDB uses an append-only file design, and its documentation describes document updates as ACID and all-or-nothing.docs.couchdb.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Replication
- CouchDB synchronizes databases incrementally and supports bidirectional replication between peers, including after periods of disconnection.docs.couchdb.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Security
- CouchDB provides administrator accounts, basic and cookie authentication, reader access controls, and JavaScript document-update validation that can enforce custom security rules.docs.couchdb.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project offers a user mailing list described as a general discussion and support forum for CouchDB users.couchdb.apache.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Apache CouchDB is a document database that stores named documents and provides a RESTful HTTP API for reading and updating them.docs.couchdb.org · read 3 Oct 2026
