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How to Build a Backend for Dart?

25min
Introduction
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to build a backend for Dart using Back4app. 
We’ll focus on integrating essential Back4app features—such as database management, Cloud Code Functions, REST and GraphQL APIs, user authentication, and real-time queries (Live Queries)—into a Dart-based project. 
Since Dart is a versatile programming language, you can use it for various backend projects, from simple web servers to full-scale applications.
By leveraging Back4app’s intuitive environment, you’ll quickly set up a robust and secure backend framework without heavy server maintenance. 
You’ll see how features like ACLs, CLPs, scheduling background tasks, and creating custom logic with Cloud Code streamline your server side operations. 
After completing this tutorial, you’ll be ready to scale your Dart backend or add more advanced integrations.
Prerequisites
To complete this tutorial, you will need:
A Back4app account and a new Back4app project
 Getting Started with Back4app.
If you do not have an account, you can create one for free.
Basic Dart development environment
You can set this up by installing the Dart SDK and any editor of your choice. For more information, see Get the Dart SDK.﻿
Dart 2.0 or above
Ensure your environment is up to date, so you can take advantage of recent Dart features and package shelf or other server side libraries.
Familiarity with Dart and backend concepts
If you’re new to Dart, review the Dart Official Documentation. to build basic fluency.
Make sure you have all of these prerequisites in place before you begin. Having your Back4app project ready and your local Dart environment properly configured will help you follow along more easily.
Step 1 – Creating a New Project on Back4App and connecting
Why create a new Back4app project?
A new Back4app project forms the foundation of your backend, managing your database, security, APIs, file storage, and more. It gives you an organized structure to build your Dart-based server side logic.
Creating a Back4app Project
Log in to your Back4app account.
Click “New App” in the Back4app dashboard.
Give your app a descriptive name (e.g., “Dart-Backend-Tutorial”).
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Once created, your project will appear in the Back4app dashboard. This project is where you’ll configure all backend settings for your Dart application.
Install the Parse SDK and Connect
While Dart does not have an official Parse SDK, there are community-maintained libraries like parse_server_sdk that enable Back4app integration. You can add it by including the following dependency in your Dart project’s pubspec.yaml:
YAML
dependencies:
  parse_server_sdk: ^4.0.0  # Example version
dependencies:
  parse_server_sdk: ^4.0.0  # Example version
﻿
Then run:
Bash
dart pub get
dart pub get
﻿
Initialize Parse in your Dart code (e.g., in a main.dart file):
Dart
import 'package:parse_server_sdk/parse_server_sdk.dart';

Future<void> main() async {
  const keyApplicationId = 'YOUR_APPLICATION_ID';
  const keyClientKey = 'YOUR_JAVASCRIPT_KEY';
  const keyParseServerUrl = 'https://parseapi.back4app.com';

  await Parse().initialize(
    keyApplicationId,
    keyParseServerUrl,
    clientKey: keyClientKey,
    autoSendSessionId: true,
  );

  // Your Dart server logic goes here
  print('Parse initialized with Back4app!');
}
import 'package:parse_server_sdk/parse_server_sdk.dart';

Future<void> main() async {
  const keyApplicationId = 'YOUR_APPLICATION_ID';
  const keyClientKey = 'YOUR_JAVASCRIPT_KEY';
  const keyParseServerUrl = 'https://parseapi.back4app.com';

  await Parse().initialize(
    keyApplicationId,
    keyParseServerUrl,
    clientKey: keyClientKey,
    autoSendSessionId: true,
  );

  // Your Dart server logic goes here
  print('Parse initialized with Back4app!');
}
﻿
Retrieve your Application ID, JavaScript Key, and Parse Server URL from the Back4app dashboard (under “App Settings” > “Security & Keys”). With this step, your Dart application can securely interact with your Back4app backend framework.
Step 2 – Setting Up the Database
Creating a Data Model
In the Back4app dashboard, navigate to the “Database” section and create a new class (e.g., “Todo”). Add columns for your fields, such as title (String) and isCompleted (Boolean).
Creating a Data Model Using the AI Agent
Open the AI Agent in your App Dashboard.
Describe your desired schema (e.g., “Please create a ToDo class with title and isCompleted fields.”).
Let the AI Agent finalize the schema for you.
AI Agent for Schema Creation
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Reading and Writing Data Using SDK
With the parse_server_sdk library, you can save and query data from your Dart code. For example:
Dart
import 'package:parse_server_sdk/parse_server_sdk.dart';

Future<ParseObject?> createTodoItem(String title, bool isCompleted) async {
  final todo = ParseObject('Todo')
    ..set('title', title)
    ..set('isCompleted', isCompleted);

  final response = await todo.save();

  if (response.success && response.result != null) {
    print('Todo created: ${response.result}');
    return response.result as ParseObject;
  } else {
    print('Error creating Todo: ${response.error?.message}');
    return null;
  }
}

Future<List<ParseObject>?> fetchTodos() async {
  final query = QueryBuilder<ParseObject>(ParseObject('Todo'));
  final response = await query.query();

  if (response.success && response.results != null) {
    return response.results as List<ParseObject>;
  } else {
    print('Error fetching Todos: ${response.error?.message}');
    return null;
  }
}
import 'package:parse_server_sdk/parse_server_sdk.dart';

Future<ParseObject?> createTodoItem(String title, bool isCompleted) async {
  final todo = ParseObject('Todo')
    ..set('title', title)
    ..set('isCompleted', isCompleted);

  final response = await todo.save();

  if (response.success && response.result != null) {
    print('Todo created: ${response.result}');
    return response.result as ParseObject;
  } else {
    print('Error creating Todo: ${response.error?.message}');
    return null;
  }
}

Future<List<ParseObject>?> fetchTodos() async {
  final query = QueryBuilder<ParseObject>(ParseObject('Todo'));
  final response = await query.query();

  if (response.success && response.results != null) {
    return response.results as List<ParseObject>;
  } else {
    print('Error fetching Todos: ${response.error?.message}');
    return null;
  }
}
﻿
Reading and Writing Data Using REST API
Bash
curl -X POST \
  -H "X-Parse-Application-Id: YOUR_APPLICATION_ID" \
  -H "X-Parse-REST-API-Key: YOUR_REST_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"title": "Buy groceries", "isCompleted": false}' \
  https://parseapi.back4app.com/classes/Todo
curl -X POST \
  -H "X-Parse-Application-Id: YOUR_APPLICATION_ID" \
  -H "X-Parse-REST-API-Key: YOUR_REST_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"title": "Buy groceries", "isCompleted": false}' \
  https://parseapi.back4app.com/classes/Todo
﻿
Reading and Writing Data Using GraphQL API
GraphQL
mutation {
  createTodo(input: {
    fields: {
      title: "Clean the house"
      isCompleted: false
    }
  }) {
    todo {
      objectId
      title
      isCompleted
    }
  }
}
mutation {
  createTodo(input: {
    fields: {
      title: "Clean the house"
      isCompleted: false
    }
  }) {
    todo {
      objectId
      title
      isCompleted
    }
  }
}
﻿
Working with Live Queries (optional)
To enable real-time updates, turn on Live Queries in your Back4app dashboard (Server Settings). You can then subscribe from Dart, although you may need a specialized library. The parse_server_sdk library may have partial live query support; check its documentation for details.
Step 3 – Applying Security with ACLs and CLPs
Overview
ACLs (Access Control Lists): Restrict read/write at the object level.
CLPs (Class-Level Permissions): Restrict read/write at the class level.
Step-by-step
Class-Level Permissions: In the Back4app dashboard, open the Database section, choose a class, and configure CLPs under “Security.”
ACLs in Code (using the parse_server_sdk):
Dart
Future<ParseObject?> createPrivateTodo(String title, ParseUser ownerUser) async {
  final todo = ParseObject('Todo')..set('title', title);
  
  final acl = <String, dynamic>{};
  // Grant read/write to the owner
  acl[ownerUser.objectId!] = {"read": true, "write": true};
  
  // Disable public read/write
  acl['*'] = {"read": false, "write": false};

  todo.setACL(acl);

  final response = await todo.save();
  if (response.success && response.result != null) {
    return response.result as ParseObject;
  } else {
    print('Error setting ACL: ${response.error?.message}');
    return null;
  }
}
Future<ParseObject?> createPrivateTodo(String title, ParseUser ownerUser) async {
  final todo = ParseObject('Todo')..set('title', title);
  
  final acl = <String, dynamic>{};
  // Grant read/write to the owner
  acl[ownerUser.objectId!] = {"read": true, "write": true};
  
  // Disable public read/write
  acl['*'] = {"read": false, "write": false};

  todo.setACL(acl);

  final response = await todo.save();
  if (response.success && response.result != null) {
    return response.result as ParseObject;
  } else {
    print('Error setting ACL: ${response.error?.message}');
    return null;
  }
}
﻿
Step 4 – Writing Cloud Code Functions
Why Cloud Code
Cloud Code is essential for creating custom business logic on the server side. It saves you from managing your own infrastructure and keeps your code secure and scalable.
Example Function and Triggers
In your main.js (for Cloud Code):
JS
// main.js
Parse.Cloud.define('helloDart', (request) => {
  return `Hello from Dart and Back4app, ${request.params.name || 'Guest'}!`;
});

Parse.Cloud.beforeSave('Todo', (request) => {
  const todo = request.object;
  if (!todo.get('title')) {
    throw 'Each Todo needs a title!';
  }
});
// main.js
Parse.Cloud.define('helloDart', (request) => {
  return `Hello from Dart and Back4app, ${request.params.name || 'Guest'}!`;
});

Parse.Cloud.beforeSave('Todo', (request) => {
  const todo = request.object;
  if (!todo.get('title')) {
    throw 'Each Todo needs a title!';
  }
});
﻿
Deployment
Using the Back4app CLI:
Using the Dashboard:
Go to Cloud Code > Functions.
Paste your code into main.js.
Click Deploy.
NPM and Cloud Code
If you need additional NPM modules for your Cloud Code, specify them in your project’s package.json. This allows you to integrate external APIs or advanced operations directly from your server side code.
Step 5 – Configuring Authentication
Enable User Authentication
In the Back4app dashboard, you can enable email verification or set up social logins. By default, the Parse User class stores passwords securely.
Code Samples (using parse_server_sdk in Dart):
Dart
import 'package:parse_server_sdk/parse_server_sdk.dart';

Future<void> signUpUser(String username, String password, String email) async {
  final user = ParseUser(username, password, email);
  final response = await user.signUp();
  
  if (response.success) {
    print('User signed up: ${response.result}');
  } else {
    print('Error: ${response.error?.message}');
  }
}

Future<void> loginUser(String username, String password) async {
  final user = ParseUser(username, password, null);
  final response = await user.login();

  if (response.success) {
    print('User logged in: ${response.result}');
  } else {
    print('Error: ${response.error?.message}');
  }
}
import 'package:parse_server_sdk/parse_server_sdk.dart';

Future<void> signUpUser(String username, String password, String email) async {
  final user = ParseUser(username, password, email);
  final response = await user.signUp();
  
  if (response.success) {
    print('User signed up: ${response.result}');
  } else {
    print('Error: ${response.error?.message}');
  }
}

Future<void> loginUser(String username, String password) async {
  final user = ParseUser(username, password, null);
  final response = await user.login();

  if (response.success) {
    print('User logged in: ${response.result}');
  } else {
    print('Error: ${response.error?.message}');
  }
}
﻿
Social Login
Configure providers like Google, Apple, or Facebook within the Back4app dashboard.
Implement the corresponding parse_server_sdk plugin or a custom OAuth flow if available.
Step 6 – Handling File Storage
Setting Up File Storage
Back4app automatically hosts files you upload via the Parse APIs. You can store images, documents, or any file type.
Example (Dart)
Security Considerations
You can control who can upload or retrieve files by adjusting your CLPs or user roles in the Back4app dashboard.
Step 7 – Email Verification and Password Reset
Overview
Email verification confirms that users own the emails they register with, while password reset links provide a secure way to manage lost credentials.
Back4App Dashboard Configuration
Go to App Settings > Email.
Enable Verify User Emails and Password Reset.
Customize your email templates as needed.
Implementation
When users sign up using a valid email, they receive an email verification link. For password resets, call ParseUser’s requestPasswordReset method (if available in the parse_server_sdk) or the REST endpoint.
Step 8 – Scheduling Tasks with Cloud Jobs
What Cloud Jobs Do
Cloud Jobs let you schedule tasks at set intervals, like cleaning old records or sending periodic reports. They operate in the background, independent of user-triggered actions.
Example
In main.js, add:
JS
Parse.Cloud.job('cleanupOldTodos', async (request) => {
  const Todo = Parse.Object.extend('Todo');
  const query = new Parse.Query(Todo);
  const now = new Date();
  const THIRTY_DAYS = 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000;
  const cutoff = new Date(now - THIRTY_DAYS);

  query.lessThan('createdAt', cutoff);

  try {
    const oldTodos = await query.find({ useMasterKey: true });
    await Parse.Object.destroyAll(oldTodos, { useMasterKey: true });
    return `Deleted ${oldTodos.length} old Todos.`;
  } catch (err) {
    throw new Error('Error during cleanup:' + err.message);
  }
});
Parse.Cloud.job('cleanupOldTodos', async (request) => {
  const Todo = Parse.Object.extend('Todo');
  const query = new Parse.Query(Todo);
  const now = new Date();
  const THIRTY_DAYS = 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000;
  const cutoff = new Date(now - THIRTY_DAYS);

  query.lessThan('createdAt', cutoff);

  try {
    const oldTodos = await query.find({ useMasterKey: true });
    await Parse.Object.destroyAll(oldTodos, { useMasterKey: true });
    return `Deleted ${oldTodos.length} old Todos.`;
  } catch (err) {
    throw new Error('Error during cleanup:' + err.message);
  }
});
﻿
Scheduling
Go to App Settings > Server Settings > Background Jobs.
Schedule cleanupOldTodos to run daily or at an interval you choose.
Step 9 – Integrating Webhooks
Definition
Webhooks let your Back4app app make HTTP requests to an external service on certain events. This is helpful for integrating with third-party services like Slack or Stripe.
Configuration
Go to More > WebHooks in your Back4app dashboard.
Click Add Webhook and provide an endpoint (e.g., https://your-external-service.com/webhook-endpoint).
Specify the trigger event (e.g., after a Todo is created).
Adding a Webhook
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Example
If you have a Slack Webhook URL, you can configure it to receive a notification whenever a new Todo is inserted. This seamless connection between your Dart backend and external tools boosts automation.
Step 10 – Exploring the Back4App Admin Panel
Where to Find It
In your Back4app console, open More > Admin App and enable the panel.
Features
Manage database records easily.
Review logs, background jobs, and analytics.
Control user access and roles.
Enable Admin App
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Conclusion
By following these steps, you have:
Built a secure backend for Dart on Back4app.
Managed your database through Parse classes and fields.
Created custom Cloud Code to handle server side logic.
Secured data using ACLs, CLPs, and user authentication.
Scheduled background tasks with Cloud Jobs.
Integrated external services using Webhooks.
Explored the Admin Panel for easy data management.
This solid foundation prepares you to deploy Dart projects efficiently, whether you’re building full-scale web servers, microservices, or specialized applications. From here, you can scale up your backend framework, add more complex logic, or integrate advanced features such as push notifications or advanced analytics.
Next Steps
Explore production readiness: Use caching strategies, handle concurrency, and optimize performance for high traffic.
Integrate advanced features: Such as role-based access control, more social logins, or real-time collaboration tools.
Check out official Back4app docs for deeper insights into logs, security, and performance tuning.
Experiment with additional packages like package shelf to create custom web servers alongside your Parse-based data layer, leveraging Dart’s capabilities as a flexible programming language.
With this knowledge of how to build a backend for Dart, you have a powerful way to handle data, secure your server side processes, and automate your app’s workflows—all without the need for significant infrastructure overhead.
Updated 15 Jan 2025
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