Npx Y convex@latest mcp start

What is Convex?

Convex is an open-source reactive database designed for web app developers, both human and LLM, to fetch data and perform business logic with strong consistency using pure TypeScript. It provides a database, a place to write server functions, and client libraries, making it easy to build and scale dynamic live-updating apps.

How to use Convex?

Visit the Convex documentation to learn more and follow getting started guides. The easiest way is through the cloud platform, which includes a free tier. For self-hosting, you can use Docker (recommended) or a prebuilt binary; detailed instructions are in the self-hosting guide.

Key features of Convex

• Open-source reactive database with strong consistency
• Write server functions in pure TypeScript
• Client libraries for live-updating apps
• Self-hosted or cloud deployment options
• Dashboard and CLI included in self-hosted product
• Works with tools like Neon, Fly.io, Vercel, Netlify, Sqlite, Postgres

Use cases of Convex

• Building dynamic web applications that require real-time data updates
• Creating LLM-powered apps that need reactive data fetching
• Developing scalable backends with minimal infrastructure overhead
• Self-hosting a production database with Docker or binary

FAQ from Convex

What does Convex do vs. traditional databases?

Convex is a reactive database that provides built-in server functions and client libraries, enabling live-updating apps with strong consistency, whereas traditional databases typically require separate backend logic and polling.

What are the runtime requirements for self-hosting Convex?

Self-hosting can be done with Docker (recommended) or a prebuilt binary. Convex is battle tested most thoroughly on Linux and Mac; Windows has less experience.

Where does Convex data live?

Data lives in the Convex database you deploy—either in the cloud platform or in your own self-hosted environment.

Are there any known limits or disclaimers?

Self-hosted builds include a minimal anonymous beacon that can be disabled with --disable-beacon. If building from source, ensure you change default instance secret and admin key. Convex is less tested on Windows.

What transport and authentication does Convex use?

The README does not detail transport or auth mechanisms beyond mentioning an admin key and instance secret for self-hosted deployments.