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Create a backend only Base44 project with entities and functions. Use this template when you want to build your own frontend or integrate with existing applications.

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Step 1 | Install the CLI

Install the Base44 CLI globally using npm: 
npm install -g base44
The CLI requires Node.js 20.19.0 or higher.

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Step 2 | Authenticate

Log in to your Base44 account using the device code flow: 
base44 login
The CLI generates a unique device code and verification URL. To complete authentication:
  1. Open the provided URL in your browser.
  2. Enter the device code shown in your terminal.
  3. Complete authentication in your browser.
Your credentials are securely stored locally at ~/.base44/auth/auth.json and remain valid until you log out or the session expires.

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Step 3 | Create a project

Create a new Base44 project using the interactive wizard: 
base44 create
Select Create a basic project when prompted to choose a template, then follow the prompts to configure your project. The CLI creates your project folder with the necessary configuration files. Your app ID is automatically added to .app.jsonc.
<your-project-name>
base44
.app.jsonc
config.jsonc
.gitignore
When complete, you’ll see:
  • Project: Your project name
  • Dashboard: Link to your Base44 dashboard

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Further development

Now that your Base44 project is set up, you can define your data models and optionally connect a frontend application. This section covers development workflows including defining entities, connecting frontends, and deploying your site.

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Defining and deploying entities and functions

Define entity schemas in the base44/entities/ directory as JSON or JSONC files. After creating or modifying entities, sync them with your Base44 project using the entities push command. To add backend functions, create them according to the function structure documented in the project structure guide. Once created, deploy them with the functions deploy command.
Your local frontend connects to Base44’s hosted backend. Entity and function changes must be deployed to Base44 using deploy before they appear in your local application.

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Building a frontend

Create a frontend application using your preferred framework. Install the Base44 JavaScript SDK: 
npm install @base44/js
Configure the SDK client with your app ID (from base44/.app.jsonc) and use it to interact with your entities: 
import { createClient } from '@base44/js';

const base44 = createClient({
  clientId: 'your-app-id'
});

const tasks = await base44.entities.find('Task', {});
Learn more in the JavaScript SDK documentation.

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Local development

Most frontend frameworks support local development servers with hot reloading. Through the SDK, your local frontend will connect to Base44’s hosted backend. Entity and function changes must be deployed to Base44 using deploy before they appear in your local application.

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Deploying your frontend

If you want to deploy your frontend to Base44’s hosting platform, configure the outputDirectory in your base44/config.jsonc: 
{
  "name": "basic-test-app",
  
  // Site/hosting configuration
  "site": {
    "outputDirectory": "./dist"
  }
}
The outputDirectory tells the CLI where your build tool outputs the compiled files. Build your frontend, then deploy with the site deploy command.

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See also