A C# backend framework for building real-time single-page applications with RESTlike APIs, subscriptions, and reactive database support.
Butterfly.Server is a C# backend framework specifically designed for building real-time single-page applications. It provides a unified set of APIs for RESTlike data access, real-time subscriptions, reactive database operations, and messaging, enabling developers to create interactive web apps where data updates are automatically pushed to clients. The framework solves the challenge of keeping SPAs synchronized with server-side state without relying on polling or complex client-side logic.
C# developers building modern web applications, especially those creating interactive single-page applications that require real-time data synchronization across multiple clients. It's also suitable for teams looking for a lightweight, modular alternative to full-stack frameworks like ASP.NET with built-in real-time capabilities.
Developers choose Butterfly.Server for its integrated approach to real-time functionality, eliminating the need to combine separate libraries for REST APIs, WebSockets, and database access. Its reactive database layer and subscription API provide out-of-the-box real-time synchronization without polling, while its modular design allows using components independently or together based on project needs.
The Everything is Real-Time C# Backend for Single Page Applications
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The Subscription API automatically pushes data changes to clients without polling, enabling seamless synchronization for SPAs, as shown in examples like the real-time streaming chart.
Butterfly.Db provides direct SQL access with reactive SELECTs that publish change events, avoiding the complexity of traditional ORMs and enabling live data updates.
Components like Butterfly.Auth, Butterfly.Db, and Butterfly.Web can be used independently, allowing developers to adopt only what they need for flexibility.
Offers a consistent interface for sending emails and texts across providers, simplifying communication features without vendor lock-in.
Targets .NET Framework 2.1 (.NET Core 3.0), which is several versions behind current releases, limiting access to newer C# features and security updates.
As a niche framework, it has a smaller community and fewer third-party integrations compared to mainstream options like ASP.NET with SignalR, which can hinder troubleshooting and scalability.
The deliberate avoidance of ASP.NET means missing out on its extensive tooling, middleware, and battle-tested components, requiring custom solutions for common web server tasks.
Butterfly Server .NET is an open-source alternative to the following products:
FeathersJS is a lightweight web framework for Node.js that enables building real-time applications and REST APIs with a service-oriented architecture and plugin system.
Pusher is a platform that provides real-time APIs and tools for building interactive features like live chat, notifications, and data synchronization.
Meteor is a full-stack JavaScript platform for building modern web and mobile applications with real-time capabilities, using a single language across client and server.
SignalR is a .NET library for adding real-time web functionality to applications, enabling server-side code to push content to clients instantly.
PubNub is a real-time communication platform that provides APIs for building chat, live updates, and IoT applications with low-latency data streaming.