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Introduction to Stack9

Stack9 is a Rapid Application Development (RAD) Platform that enables fullstack JavaScript developers to build enterprise-grade applications up to 10x faster than traditional development approaches.

What is Stack9?​

Stack9 is a configuration-driven platform where you define your application through JSON configuration files rather than writing repetitive CRUD code. Think of it as a framework that automatically generates:

  • ✅ REST APIs with full CRUD operations
  • ✅ Database schemas and migrations
  • ✅ Admin UI with data grids and forms
  • ✅ Authentication and authorization
  • ✅ Workflow state machines
  • ✅ Search and filtering capabilities
  • ✅ File storage and attachments
  • ✅ Audit logs and history tracking

When Should You Use Stack9?​

Stack9 is ideal for:

  • Back-office applications: CRM, ERP, admin panels, internal tools
  • Data-driven applications: Applications with lots of entities and relationships
  • Workflow-heavy systems: Applications with approval processes and state machines
  • Rapid prototyping: Quickly validate ideas and iterate
  • Teams with limited resources: Build more with fewer developers

Stack9 might NOT be the best fit for:

  • Public-facing consumer applications with complex UX requirements
  • Real-time applications (gaming, chat)
  • Applications with non-standard data models

How Does Stack9 Work?​

Traditional Development​

Define API Routes → Write Controllers → Create Database Models
→ Write Business Logic → Build Frontend → Write Tests

Stack9 Development​

Define Entities (JSON) → Configure Screens (JSON)
→ Add Business Logic (TypeScript hooks when needed)

Everything else is automatically generated by Stack9!

Core Concepts​

A Stack9 developer works with these key concepts:

1. Entities​

Define your data model (like a Customer or Sales Order) in JSON. Stack9 automatically:

  • Creates database tables
  • Generates CRUD APIs
  • Handles validations
  • Manages relationships

2. Screens​

Define your UI screens in JSON. Stack9 automatically:

  • Renders data grids with sorting/filtering
  • Creates forms with validation
  • Handles navigation
  • Manages permissions

3. Query Library​

Define database queries and external API calls in JSON. Stack9 automatically:

  • Executes queries efficiently
  • Handles pagination
  • Manages caching
  • Provides type safety

4. Automations​

Define workflows triggered by webhooks, schedules, or entity events. Stack9 automatically:

  • Executes action chains
  • Handles errors and retries
  • Logs execution history
  • Manages state

5. Entity Hooks​

Write custom TypeScript functions to inject business logic at key points:

  • Before/after database transactions
  • Custom validations
  • Data transformations
  • Side effects (emails, notifications, etc.)

Architecture Overview​

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    Stack9 Instance                           │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                              │
│  stack9-stack/src/                                          │
│  ├── entities/          ← Define data models                │
│  ├── screens/           ← Define UI layouts                 │
│  ├── query-library/     ← Define data queries               │
│  ├── automations/       ← Define workflows                  │
│  ├── entity-hooks/      ← Custom TypeScript logic           │
│  ├── connectors/        ← External API integrations         │
│  └── services/          ← Reusable business services        │
│                                                              │
└──────────────────────┬───────────────────────────────────────┘
                       │
                       │ Loads into
                       ↓
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                  @april9/stack9-core                        │
│                                                              │
│  Automatically Generates:                                   │
│  • REST APIs (1,600+ endpoints)                             │
│  • Database schemas                                         │
│  • Admin UI                                                 │
│  • Authentication/Authorization                             │
│  • Workflow engine                                          │
│  • Search capabilities                                      │
│  • File storage                                             │
│  • Audit logs                                               │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Technology Stack​

Stack9 is built on modern, battle-tested technologies:

  • Backend: Node.js + TypeScript + Express
  • Database: PostgreSQL (primary) + OpenSearch (search/analytics)
  • Cloud: AWS-native (S3, Lambda, KMS, SQS)
  • ORM: Objection.js (built on Knex.js)
  • Frontend: React + TypeScript (separate from core)
  • Authentication: Azure AD OpenID Connect + Local Auth

What You'll Learn​

This documentation will teach you:

  1. Getting Started - Set up your first Stack9 instance
  2. Core Concepts - Deep dive into entities, screens, queries, etc.
  3. How-To Guides - Practical step-by-step tutorials
  4. API Reference - Complete API documentation

Next Steps​

Ready to build your first Stack9 application? Let's start with the Quick Start Guide.

Already familiar with Stack9? Jump to: