How to Build a Backend for ASP.NET Core?

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to build a backend for ASP.NET Core using Back4App.

By integrating Back4App’s essential features—such as database management, Cloud Code, REST and GraphQL APIs, user authentication, and real-time queries—you’ll gain a complete backend solution for your ASP.NET Core applications.

This approach supports building scalable web applications, handling server side logic with minimal setup.

With Back4App, you can speed up backend development for your ASP.NET Core project. You'll take advantage of an open source platform that supports a reliable web api infrastructure, database connectivity, and robust cloud functions.

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a working foundation for a secure and extensible backend that offers improved user experiences and handles real time data. You can then extend your net core solution or integrate it with other services as needed.

Ensure you have all of these prerequisites in place before you begin. Having your Back4App project and ASP.NET Core environment ready will make the steps much easier to follow.

Your ASP.NET Core backend begins with a Back4App project. This project is your server-side foundation, managing your database, security rules, and app settings.

After creation, you’ll see it listed on your dashboard. This new app is your main hub for backend development tasks.

While you can use REST API or GraphQL directly, the Parse .NET SDK can simplify data operations in your ASP.NET Core solutions. If you want to integrate it:

Replace the placeholders with credentials from your Back4App app’s “App Settings” > “Security & Keys.” This connects your asp.net core project to Back4App’s server side environment.

Use the Back4App dashboard to define your class schema. For example, a Todo class with columns like title (String) and isCompleted (Boolean):

Open the AI Agent in your Back4App dashboard and describe your data model. For example, “Create a new ToDo class for my asp.net core applications.” The AI Agent then sets up the schema for you.

Here’s how you might create and fetch Todo items in C#:

Alternatively, you can use a REST API approach:

To use GraphQL, send queries or mutations to the Back4App GraphQL endpoint:

Enable real time updates by turning on Live Queries in your dashboard (under Server Settings). Then use the .NET or WebSocket approach to subscribe. This keeps data fresh in your web application without extra calls.

ACLs (Access Control Lists) secure individual objects. CLPs (Class-Level Permissions) secure entire classes. This layered approach keeps data safe in your asp.net core environment.

With the Parse .NET SDK, you can set ACLs at object level:

Cloud Code runs on Back4App’s server side. This is ideal for validations, triggers, or additional logic for your asp.net core project. You can keep sensitive processes secure and off the client.

Deploy Cloud Code via:

In .NET:

Or via REST:

ASP.NET Core can manage its own identity. But if you prefer, you can offload it to Parse’s User class. Back4App handles password hashing, rest api sessions, and other security details.

Integrate Facebook, Google, or other providers if desired by configuring OAuth settings in the Back4App dashboard. Refer to Social Login Docs.

Use ParseFile to upload images or documents:

Configure file uploads at App Settings > Security & Keys, adjusting who can upload or access files. This protects user data in your web application.

Email verification ensures users own the email provided. Password reset is crucial for a secure user experience in your asp.net core solutions.

Use Cloud Jobs to run recurring tasks, like deleting old data or sending reminders. For example, cleanupOldTodos:

Set the schedule under Server Settings > Background Jobs in the Back4App dashboard.

Webhooks let your asp.net core backend call external services whenever data changes. For instance, notify a Slack channel when a new Todo is created.

The Back4App Admin App helps non-technical users manage data (CRUD) without accessing code. It’s model-centric and straightforward.

Enable it under App Dashboard > More > Admin App > Enable Admin App:

Create an Admin user and pick a subdomain. Then log in with your new credentials:

With Admin App, you and your team can handle essential data tasks quickly, boosting collaboration and freeing development time.

You’ve learned how to build a backend for ASP.NET Core using Back4App to streamline data, security, and functionality. By combining an open source platform with your net core skills, you now have:

With these foundations in place, you can develop full-fledged asp.net core applications that deliver top-notch user experiences and handle large-scale traffic effortlessly.