What is ObjectStack?
ObjectStack is What? A Full-Stack Metadata Protocol for Building Enterprise Applications
ObjectStack is not just a framework; it is a Protocol for building enterprise software. It decouples the Business Intent (defined in JSON/YAML) from the Technical Execution (handled by the Kernel).
The Problem
In traditional development, application logic is scattered:
- Database Schema (
table.sql) - Backend Models (
User.ts) - Frontend Validation (
schema.zod.ts) - API Documentation (
swagger.json)
When requirements change, you update code in multiple places. This is Implementation Coupling.
The Solution
We centralize the "Intent" into a single Protocol Definition (JSON/YAML). The implementation layers (React, Node.js, SQL) act merely as Runtime Engines that interpret this protocol.
Data Protocol
Define data structures, queries, and business logic. Database-agnostic abstraction layer.
UI Protocol
Server-driven UI definitions. Express interfaces as JSON, not code.
System Protocol
Runtime kernel, plugins, security, and integration. The platform foundation.
The "Stack" Analogy
Think of ObjectStack as:
- Kubernetes for business applications - Declarative configuration over imperative code
- Terraform for data modeling - Infrastructure as code, but for data
- GraphQL + React Server Components - Schema-driven data + UI rendering combined
Key Features
1. Protocol-Driven Architecture
The UI is a Projection. The API is a Consequence.
- ObjectUI does not "build" a form; it projects the ObjectQL schema into a visual representation
- You do not write endpoints; ObjectOS generates the secure graph based on the access control protocol
2. Local-First by Default
"The Cloud is a sync peer, not a master."
- All interactions are optimistic and instant (0ms latency)
- Data lives on the user's device
- The server is just a hub for backup and collaboration
3. Database Agnostic
ObjectQL treats the database as an Implementation Detail.
- Start with SQLite for prototyping
- Migrate to PostgreSQL for production
- Archive to Snowflake for analytics
- No code changes required
Real-World Benefits
| Traditional Approach | ObjectStack Approach |
|---|---|
| Write SQL migrations manually | Schema changes sync automatically |
| Build CRUD APIs by hand | REST/GraphQL generated from schema |
| Duplicate validation logic 3x | Define once, enforce everywhere |
| Lock into one database vendor | Swap databases without code changes |
| Offline = broken app | Offline-first with background sync |
Who Should Use ObjectStack?
Enterprise Developers
Building internal tools, CRMs, ERPs, or admin panels? ObjectStack eliminates 80% of the boilerplate.
Platform Builders
Creating a SaaS product or multi-tenant application? ObjectStack provides enterprise-grade security and isolation.
Integration Engineers
Connecting multiple systems? ObjectStack's protocol-driven approach makes it easy to map and transform data.
Next Steps
- Design Principles - Understand the philosophy
- Architecture - Deep dive into the system
- Glossary - Learn key terminology
- Core Concepts - Metadata-driven development explained