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You can link existing Base44 project code, such as from an example app, to a backend project on Base44. Use this when you already have the project files locally. If you don’t have any project files yet, use base44 create to generate a new project instead.
The CLI requires Node.js 20.19.0 or higher.

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Understanding local code vs. backend projects

When working with Base44, there are two separate components:
  • Local code: The project files on your computer, such as your frontend code, entity schemas and backend functions.
  • Base44 backend project: The backend infrastructure on Base44’s servers, including the database, endpoints, hosting, and so on.
Linking connects your local code to a backend project so your app can use Base44’s infrastructure. During the linking process, you’ll choose one of two options:
  • Create a new project: Creates a fresh backend on Base44 for your code. Choose this if you’re setting up this code for the first time.
  • Link to existing: Connects to a backend that already exists on Base44. Choose this if you’re reconnecting to a backend you set up earlier, or if you’re joining a team project where the backend has already been created.
1

Get the project code

Clone an example app or download existing project code, then navigate to the project directory.The project should already contain a base44/ folder with a config.jsonc file.
2

Install dependencies

Install the project dependencies:
npm install
3

Install the Base44 CLI

Install the Base44 CLI globally:
npm install -g base44
4

Authenticate

Log in to your Base44 account:
base44 login
The CLI generates a device code. Open the provided URL, enter the code, and complete authentication in your browser.
5

Link the project

Link your local project to a Base44 backend:
base44 link
The CLI will prompt you to either create a new backend project or link to an existing one. This creates an .app.jsonc file in your base44/ directory with your app ID:
{
  "id": "your-app-id"
}
The .app.jsonc file should never be committed to version control. It’s automatically added to .gitignore and is specific to each developer and deployment environment.
6

Set up environment variables (if needed)

Your app ID is required when configuring an SDK client. Projects typically store their app ID in an environment variable and retrieve it to create a client. Check the project’s documentation or configuration files for instructions on setting the required environment variables.
7

Build the frontend if the project has one

If your project includes a frontend, build it so it’s ready to deploy in the next step.
8

Push resources

Sync your project’s resources to your Base44 backend:
base44 deploy
This pushes entities, functions, and the site if your project has one.If your project has agents, push them as well:
base44 agents push

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Next steps

Now that your project is set up and running, you can:

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See also