dk-server: The Complete Handbook
Author DOYOUNG KIM
DK-SERVER · SELF-HOSTED BACKEND
A self-hosted backend you buy once and own
Turn your own machine into Supabase plus GitHub. Escape stacking subscription fees and external cloud dependency — one purchase, full ownership of your data and infrastructure.
- Buy once · Use forever
- Zero recurring cost
- Fully self-hosted
- In-browser AI assistant
WHY DK-SERVER
A backend you own, not subscribe to
Cloud backends charge more as your users grow and your data piles up — and your data stays locked in someone else's cloud. DK-Server starts from the opposite premise: a backend you buy once and own on your own machine.
End subscription fatigue
Buy once and you are done. No monthly subscription, no usage metering. The version you own is yours forever.
Predictable cost
No extra charges as users and data grow. Storage is your entire disk, and projects are unlimited.
Data sovereignty
Your data stays on your machine or on-premises server — not in an external cloud. Fits regulated industries, public sector, and education.
Unified backend
Database, file drive, Git, cron, webhooks, and edge functions in one dashboard. Consolidate multiple cloud services onto a single server you own.
AI ASSISTANT · KEY DIFFERENTIATOR
Run your backend with AI, right in the browser
We connected Claude Code to the dashboard via RAG, so the assistant understands your real schema and data. Query your database and operate your server in plain language — no SQL required.
Natural-language SQL — schema-aware
Ask in everyday words like "how many signups last month," and the AI — aware of your table structure — turns it into the right query and runs it.
Operations assistant
The AI diagnoses operational tasks — backups, indexing, performance tuning, log analysis — and walks you through the next step.
A backend anyone can run
Work with your data conversationally, no expertise needed — from solo founders to non-developer teammates running the backend themselves.
Show me new signups last month by region
Here are last month's signups aggregated by region from the users table.
SELECT region, COUNT(*)
FROM users
WHERE created_at >= date_trunc('month', now() - interval '1 month')
GROUP BY region;WHAT'S INSIDE
Core capabilities in a single server
No need to subscribe to Supabase and GitHub separately — every module you need to run a backend lives in one dashboard.
Database
PostgreSQL-based table editor, SQL editor, schema visualization, and an auto-generated REST API.
File storage
A drive-style interface for your files. No artificial caps — use your full disk capacity, with versioning and sharing.
Git & projects
Manage repositories on your own server without external GitHub. Commit, push, and branch — code collaboration handled locally.
Automation
Cron jobs, database webhooks, lightweight edge functions, and real-time channels (WebSocket) to automate backend logic.
Monitoring & ops
Real-time dashboard, log search, backup/restore, process management, and a performance advisor to watch your server at a glance.
Security & access control
Passkey (WebAuthn) and OTP multi-factor auth, RBAC, audit logs, IP whitelisting, and Argon2 encryption to govern access.
EDITIONS
Compare editions
Every edition is a one-time perpetual license. All updates are included for one year after purchase, and you keep using your version forever afterwards.
| Feature | Personal | Pro | Team | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Individual developers & homelabs | Solo founders & freelancers | SMBs & studios | Regulated, public, education & large enterprises |
| License unit | 1 user / 1 machine | 1 user / 2 machines | 10 seats / 2 on-prem servers | Site license (unlimited seats) |
| Commercial use | Non-commercial, personal projects | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| DB, file drive, Git & projects (unlimited storage) | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Cron, webhooks, edge functions & realtime channels | 5 cron jobs | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| User & member management / RBAC | Single user | Single user | Role-based | Custom roles |
| Audit log & IP allowlist | — | Included | Included | Included + long-term retention |
| Updates | 1 year included + perpetual use | 1 year included + perpetual use | 1 year included + perpetual use | 1 year included + perpetual use (extension negotiable) |
| Support | Community forum | Email (business days) | Priority email + onboarding session | Dedicated channel, installation service & SLA by agreement |
| Pricing | Announced at launch | Announced at launch | Announced at launch | Contact us |
"Unlimited" means no license-imposed limits; actual capacity depends on your hardware. Pricing will be announced at launch.
Pricing will be announced at launch. Contact us for rollout schedules and quotes.
WHO IT'S FOR
Built for people like you
Individual developers & homelabs
Developers who want to run side projects and homelabs without worrying about subscription bills.
Solo founders & freelancers
Founders who would rather own a backend forever for the cost of about a year of cloud subscriptions.
SMBs & studios
Small teams that want code, data, and files managed on a single in-house server.
Regulated, public sector & education
Organizations that need a self-hosted backend where external cloud usage is restricted or impractical.
COMPANION BOOK
The handbook written by the team building the product
“dk-server: The Complete Handbook” walks the same ground as the product itself — building a self-hosted server, connecting it to the outside world, and turning it into something you can sell. The product is still in development; the book is available today.
Ready to own your backend?
We will guide you through launch timing, edition lineup, and adoption consulting.