Runtime Modes

StarQuery has two backend runtime modes and one browser-only frontend mode.

Electron Desktop

Electron starts a built-in local backend automatically.

Characteristics:

• local backend runs automatically
• built-in Local computer server is available
• local auth is disabled
• SQLite datasources are available here
• DuckDB local files fit naturally here as well

This is the most convenient mode for individual local work.

Hosted Backend

Hosted mode is intended for self-hosting on a server.

Characteristics:

• auth enabled by default
• intended for browser clients
• can use SQLite or MySQL for the metastore
• can bootstrap users, projects and datasources from JSON

The published Docker image defaults to SQLite for the metastore to keep deployment simple.

Plain Web Frontend

The plain web frontend connects to an existing StarQuery server.

Characteristics:

• no built-in Local computer
• can auto-use the current browser origin in production
• can be locked to one backend with frontend env vars

Which One Should You Choose?

• Local individual usage: Electron
• Team/self-hosted usage: Hosted backend
• Existing remote server already available: Plain web frontend