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PostGraphile
What it is
PostGraphile creates GraphQL APIs backed primarily by PostgreSQL, for SaaS backends and internal business tools. It can be self-hosted, and its homepage provides an `npx pgl` command to start with a PostgreSQL connection string. Core capabilities include GraphQL queries and mutations, automatic CRUD mutations, filtering, ordering, and plugins. Authentication can use JWT or custom pgSettings, alongside row-level security and role-based access control. PostGraphile V4 Core and Version 5 are open source under the MIT license. Version 5 is built on Grafast, a planning and execution engine intended to improve performance and maintainability. PostGraphile Pro adds limits for query cost, pagination, and query depth, plus a facility to scale with database read replicas. The Pro plugin is for V4 Core, while V5 remains open source and in development. V4 Core is free. The Pro License Only plan is $25 a month and covers up to four production instances and 100 development instances; larger clusters require custom licensing.
For and against
For
- Open-source V4 Core and V5 use the MIT license
- Provides automatic CRUD mutations
- Includes row-level security and role-based access control
- Pro adds query-cost and depth limits
- Can scale through database read replicas
Against
- Pro plugin is for V4 Core only
- Larger Pro clusters require custom licensing
- Pro license costs $25 a month
The verdict
PostGraphile offers a PostgreSQL-focused route to GraphQL APIs, with authentication and access-control features in its core. The Pro protections apply to V4 Core, so check the version distinction before choosing a plan.
Who it suits
PostGraphile may suit developers building PostgreSQL-backed SaaS APIs or internal tools. Teams considering Pro should note that its plugin is for V4 Core, not Version 5.
Plans and prices
PostGraphile V4 Core
MIT license
Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
PostGraphile Pro License Only
Up to 4 Production Instances and 100 Development Instances
Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
Production Sponsor
Priority support via community Discord; includes Pro features
Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
Private Advisor Tier
Complimentary Development Support contract; discounted consultancy packages
Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
Development Support
Direct support through company Slack/GitHub organization
Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
On the record
- Compatibility limit
- The Pro plugin is for PostGraphile V4 Core; the page says V5 is open source and continues to be developed.postgraphile.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Core API features
- The pricing comparison lists GraphQL queries and mutations, automatic CRUD mutations, JWT or custom pgSettings authentication, row-level security and role-based access control, filtering, ordering, and plugins.postgraphile.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Getting started
- The homepage gives an `npx pgl` command to start PostGraphile with a PostgreSQL connection string.postgraphile.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- License behavior
- The maker says Pro license keys are static and the software does not phone home; automated keys expire after one year.postgraphile.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- License limit
- The Pro license permits up to four production instances and 100 development instances; larger clusters require custom licensing.postgraphile.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The homepage identifies Graphile Ltd. as the copyright holder.postgraphile.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Open source
- PostGraphile V4 Core and PostGraphile V5 are open source under the MIT license.postgraphile.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Pro protections
- PostGraphile Pro lists integrated query-cost, pagination, and query-depth limits, designed to protect APIs from expensive queries.postgraphile.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PostGraphile creates extensible, high-performance GraphQL APIs backed primarily by PostgreSQL.postgraphile.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Scaling
- PostGraphile Pro includes a facility to scale through database read replicas.postgraphile.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Community support is available through Discord, sponsors receive maintainer priority support there, and Private Advisor sponsors can receive support through their company Slack or GitHub organization.postgraphile.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The maker describes PostGraphile as suitable for SaaS backend APIs and internal business tools.postgraphile.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Version 5 engine
- PostGraphile Version 5 is built on Grafast, a planning and execution engine intended to improve performance and maintainability.postgraphile.org · read 7 Oct 2026
