Who BigchainDB is for#
Developers prototyping blockchain-backed records
Use BigchainDB to test asset or transaction models locally before choosing hosted blockchain infrastructure.
Skip if:
A normal relational database plus audit table satisfies your integrity needs.
Researchers studying decentralized databases
Use BigchainDB when the goal is to inspect and modify server behavior around blockchain-style storage.
Skip if:
You only need an API to a managed blockchain network.
Teams evaluating vendor alternatives
Use BigchainDB to compare self-hosted architecture against managed blockchain services.
Skip if:
You need enterprise support and managed operations immediately.
The problem it solves#
Blockchain-backed data projects can become dependent on managed vendor platforms before the architecture is proven. Teams need to test data models, transaction flows, and node behavior locally before committing to cloud blockchain services. Without a self-hosted server, early experiments can mix application design with vendor-specific deployment assumptions.
How it solves it#
Blockchain database server
BigchainDB Server is a blockchain database, with server documentation and a whitepaper linked for architecture details.
Docker Compose quickstart
The official quickstart path uses `git clone`, `cd bigchaindb`, and `make run`, then exposes the server at localhost port 9984.
Development and test commands
Make targets cover start, stop, logs, tests, coverage, docs, clean, and reset workflows.
Apache-2.0 license
Apache-2.0 licensing is practical for experimentation and commercial evaluation.
Strengths and trade-offs#
Strengths
- Good local experimentation pathThe Docker Compose workflow lets developers run a local BigchainDB server before choosing a managed blockchain platform.
- Server code is inspectableTeams can inspect how the database server works rather than treating the blockchain data layer as a black box.
- Useful for asset history prototypesBigchainDB is most relevant where a team is testing tamper-evident records, asset transactions, or decentralized database patterns.
Trade-offs
- -Niche architecture choiceMost applications do not need a blockchain database. PostgreSQL, document stores, or append-only audit logs are simpler for many workloads.
- -Project maturity should be reviewedBefore production use, teams should review current maintenance activity, dependencies, and operational guidance because blockchain infrastructure ages quickly.
Install and self-host#
git clone https://github.com/bigchaindb/bigchaindb.git
cd bigchaindb
make runWhat it's built on#
- Languages
- LuaPython
- Databases
- MongoDB
FAQ#
What is BigchainDB?
BigchainDB is a blockchain database server for storing and working with decentralized or tamper-evident data records.
Can BigchainDB run locally?
Yes. BigchainDB has a Docker Compose workflow using make run, with the server reachable on localhost port 9984.
Is BigchainDB right for every database use case?
No. It is a niche fit for blockchain-style data models. Most business apps should choose simpler databases unless decentralization is a real requirement.
Similar open-source tools#
Billing SDK
Open source React components for SaaS billing flows
Piwigo
Self-hosted photo library with albums, controls, and plugins
PouchDB
JavaScript database that syncs with CouchDB, works offline
Directus
Wrap any SQL database with REST and GraphQL APIs and an admin UI
QuestDB
Ingest high-frequency data and query it in real time with SQL
orca
The ultimate IDE for coding agents