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How to Build a Backend for tvOS?

42min
Introduction
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to build a backend for tvOS apps using Back4App. 
We’ll cover integrating essential Back4App features—like database management, Cloud Code Functions, REST and GraphQL APIs, user authentication, and real-time (Live Queries)—to create a secure, scalable backend that seamlessly communicates with your Apple TV app built with the Parse Swift SDK.
You’ll see how Back4App’s streamlined environment and quick setup drastically reduce the time compared to manually configuring servers and databases. 
Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience with key functionalities, including advanced security features, cloud jobs scheduling, and webhook integrations.
By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be prepared to enhance this foundational structure into a production-ready tvOS app or easily include custom logic and third-party APIs. This guide will also help maintain a high quality user experience on Apple TV, leveraging your Xcode project and existing iOS development knowledge.
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. Follow the guide above to get your project ready.
Xcode (latest stable version) installed
You will build your tvOS app with Swift or SwiftUI. Ensure you have the most recent Xcode from the Mac App Store.
Parse Swift SDK
Set up the Parse Swift SDK to connect your tvOS app.
Familiarity with Swift and basic iOS/tvOS development concepts
If you’re new to Apple TV, review the Apple tvOS documentation or a beginner tutorial first.
Make sure you have all these prerequisites in place before you begin. Having your Back4App project ready and a local tvOS Xcode project set up will help you follow along more easily.
Step 1 – Creating a New Project on Back4App and Connecting
Create a New Project
The first step in building your tvOS app backend on Back4App is creating a new project. If you have not already done so, follow these steps:
Log in to your Back4App account.
Click the “New App” button in your Back4App dashboard.
Give your app a name (e.g., “tvOS-Backend-Tutorial”).
﻿
Once created, you will see the project listed in your Back4App dashboard. This new Back4App project is the core of all backend configurations covered in this tutorial.
Connect the Parse Swift SDK
Back4App leverages Parse to handle data storage, user authentication, real-time features, and more. To connect your tvOS app to Back4App, install and configure the Parse Swift SDK in your Xcode project.
Retrieve Your Parse Keys:
In your Back4App dashboard, go to “App Settings” or “Security & Keys” to find your Application ID and Client Key. You’ll also see the Parse Server URL—commonly https://parseapi.back4app.com.
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Install the Parse Swift SDK in your tvOS project:
Swift Package Manager (Recommended)
In Xcode, select File → Add Packages.
Enter the Parse Swift GitHub URL: https://github.com/netreconlab/Parse-Swift.git
Choose the appropriate version or main branch.
CocoaPods
If you prefer CocoaPods, add the following to your Podfile:
Ruby
pod 'ParseSwiftOG'
pod 'ParseSwiftOG'
﻿
Then run pod install.
Initialize Parse in your AppDelegate or @main struct:
Swift
import ParseSwift
import SwiftUI

@main
struct MyTVOSApp: App {
    init() {
        Task {
            do {
                try await ParseSwift.initialize(
                    applicationId: "YOUR_APP_ID",
                    clientKey: "YOUR_CLIENT_KEY", 
                    serverURL: URL(string: "https://parseapi.back4app.com")!
                )
            } catch {
                print("Error initializing Parse: \\(error)")
            }
        }
    }

    var body: some Scene {
        WindowGroup {
            ContentView()
        }
    }
}
import ParseSwift
import SwiftUI

@main
struct MyTVOSApp: App {
    init() {
        Task {
            do {
                try await ParseSwift.initialize(
                    applicationId: "YOUR_APP_ID",
                    clientKey: "YOUR_CLIENT_KEY", 
                    serverURL: URL(string: "https://parseapi.back4app.com")!
                )
            } catch {
                print("Error initializing Parse: \\(error)")
            }
        }
    }

    var body: some Scene {
        WindowGroup {
            ContentView()
        }
    }
}
﻿
This ensures your tvOS app is built to communicate with the Back4App backend, letting you store data, run queries, authenticate users, and more.
Step 2 – Setting Up the Database
Creating a Data Model
With your tvOS app now wired to Back4App, you can create and manage data. In Parse Swift, you define ParseObject structs:
Swift
struct GameScore: ParseObject {
    var objectId: String?
    var createdAt: Date?
    var updatedAt: Date?
    var ACL: ParseACL?
    var originalData: Data?

    // Custom fields
    var score: Int?
    var playerName: String?
}
struct GameScore: ParseObject {
    var objectId: String?
    var createdAt: Date?
    var updatedAt: Date?
    var ACL: ParseACL?
    var originalData: Data?

    // Custom fields
    var score: Int?
    var playerName: String?
}
﻿
You can also manually define classes in your Back4App dashboard:
Go to “Database” in the Back4App console.
Create a new class (e.g., “GameScore”).
Add relevant columns (score, playerName, etc.).
Create New Class
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Creating a Data Model Using the AI Agent
Back4App’s AI Agent can automatically design your schema:
Open the AI Agent in your Back4App Dashboard.
Describe your model (e.g., “Create a ToDo class with a title and isCompleted field”).
Apply and let the AI Agent generate the schema.
﻿
Reading and Writing Data Using SDK
Swift
func saveScore() async {
    var gameScore = GameScore()
    gameScore.score = 1337
    gameScore.playerName = "tvOS Fan"
    do {
        try await gameScore.save()
        print("Score saved successfully.")
    } catch {
        print("Error saving score: \\(error)")
    }
}

func fetchScores() async {
    let query = GameScore.query()
    do {
        let results = try await query.find()
        print("Fetched scores: \\(results)")
    } catch {
        print("Error fetching scores: \\(error)")
    }
}
func saveScore() async {
    var gameScore = GameScore()
    gameScore.score = 1337
    gameScore.playerName = "tvOS Fan"
    do {
        try await gameScore.save()
        print("Score saved successfully.")
    } catch {
        print("Error saving score: \\(error)")
    }
}

func fetchScores() async {
    let query = GameScore.query()
    do {
        let results = try await query.find()
        print("Fetched scores: \\(results)")
    } catch {
        print("Error fetching scores: \\(error)")
    }
}
﻿
Reading and Writing Data Using REST API
Bash
curl -X POST \ 
  -H "X-Parse-Application-Id: YOUR_APP_ID" \
  -H "X-Parse-REST-API-Key: YOUR_REST_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"score": 9000, "playerName": "AppleFan"}' \
  https://parseapi.back4app.com/classes/GameScore
curl -X POST \ 
  -H "X-Parse-Application-Id: YOUR_APP_ID" \
  -H "X-Parse-REST-API-Key: YOUR_REST_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"score": 9000, "playerName": "AppleFan"}' \
  https://parseapi.back4app.com/classes/GameScore
﻿
Reading and Writing Data Using GraphQL API
GraphQL
mutation {
  createGameScore(input: {
    fields: {
      score: 420
      playerName: "Swiftie"
    }
  }) {
    gameScore {
      objectId
      score
      playerName
    }
  }
}
mutation {
  createGameScore(input: {
    fields: {
      score: 420
      playerName: "Swiftie"
    }
  }) {
    gameScore {
      objectId
      score
      playerName
    }
  }
}
﻿
Working with Live Queries (optional)
Live Queries can power real-time updates in your Apple TV interface—especially useful for multi-player or leaderboard apps.
Enable Live Queries in your app’s Server Settings on Back4App.
Initialize a subscription:
Swift
let subscription = GameScore.query("score" > 1000).subscribeCallback { event in
    switch event {
    case .created(let score):
        print("New high score created: \\(score)")
    case .updated(let score):
        print("High score updated: \\(score)")
    case .deleted(let score):
        print("High score removed: \\(score)")
    default:
        break
    }
}
let subscription = GameScore.query("score" > 1000).subscribeCallback { event in
    switch event {
    case .created(let score):
        print("New high score created: \\(score)")
    case .updated(let score):
        print("High score updated: \\(score)")
    case .deleted(let score):
        print("High score removed: \\(score)")
    default:
        break
    }
}
﻿
Step 3 – Applying Security with ACLs and CLPs
Overview
Back4App secures your data with ACLs (Access Control Lists) and CLPs (Class-Level Permissions). Use them to define read/write rules at the object or class level.
﻿
Class-Level Permissions
Go to Database, pick a class (e.g., GameScore).
Click “Security” or “Class-Level Permissions”.
Set who can read, write, or delete (e.g., only authenticated users).
ACLs in Code
Swift
var gameScore = GameScore()
gameScore.score = 500
// Restrict read/write to only the current user
var acl = ParseACL()
if let user = try? await User.current() {
    acl.setReadAccess(user: user, value: true)
    acl.setWriteAccess(user: user, value: true)
}
gameScore.ACL = acl
var gameScore = GameScore()
gameScore.score = 500
// Restrict read/write to only the current user
var acl = ParseACL()
if let user = try? await User.current() {
    acl.setReadAccess(user: user, value: true)
    acl.setWriteAccess(user: user, value: true)
}
gameScore.ACL = acl
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Step 4 – Writing Cloud Code Functions
Why Cloud Code?
Cloud Code allows you to offload critical logic from your client to secure server-side code. This is great for business rules, data validations, or third-party integrations without exposing secrets in your tvOS app.
Example Function
In your main.js:
JS
Parse.Cloud.define("awardBonus", async (request) => {
  const { objectId, bonus } = request.params;
  const query = new Parse.Query("GameScore");
  const gameScore = await query.get(objectId, { useMasterKey: true });
  gameScore.increment("score", bonus);
  await gameScore.save(null, { useMasterKey: true });
  return gameScore;
});
Parse.Cloud.define("awardBonus", async (request) => {
  const { objectId, bonus } = request.params;
  const query = new Parse.Query("GameScore");
  const gameScore = await query.get(objectId, { useMasterKey: true });
  gameScore.increment("score", bonus);
  await gameScore.save(null, { useMasterKey: true });
  return gameScore;
});
﻿
Deployment
Back4App CLI:
Bash
b4a configure accountkey
b4a deploy
b4a configure accountkey
b4a deploy
﻿
or use the Back4App Dashboard → Cloud Code → Functions → main.js.
Calling from Swift
Swift
import ParseSwift

func awardBonusScore(objectId: String, bonus: Int) async {
    do {
       let result = try await ParseCloud.callFunction("awardBonus", with: [
         "objectId": objectId,
         "bonus": bonus
       ])
       print("Updated score: \\(result)")
    } catch {
       print("Error awarding bonus: \\(error)")
    }
}
import ParseSwift

func awardBonusScore(objectId: String, bonus: Int) async {
    do {
       let result = try await ParseCloud.callFunction("awardBonus", with: [
         "objectId": objectId,
         "bonus": bonus
       ])
       print("Updated score: \\(result)")
    } catch {
       print("Error awarding bonus: \\(error)")
    }
}
﻿
NPM Modules
Inside your package.json, add dependencies:
JSON
{
  "dependencies": {
    "axios": "^0.27.0"
  }
}
{
  "dependencies": {
    "axios": "^0.27.0"
  }
}
﻿
Then require or import them in main.js to use in Cloud Code.
Step 5 – Configuring Authentication
User Authentication in Back4App
tvOS apps often need user data sync or login. Parse’s ParseUser provides secure sign-up, login, sessions, and role-based access.
Swift
struct User: ParseUser {
    var objectId: String?
    var createdAt: Date?
    var updatedAt: Date?
    var ACL: ParseACL?
    var originalData: Data?

    // Essential
    var username: String?
    var email: String?
    var emailVerified: Bool?
    var password: String?
    var authData: [String: [String: String]?]?
}
struct User: ParseUser {
    var objectId: String?
    var createdAt: Date?
    var updatedAt: Date?
    var ACL: ParseACL?
    var originalData: Data?

    // Essential
    var username: String?
    var email: String?
    var emailVerified: Bool?
    var password: String?
    var authData: [String: [String: String]?]?
}
﻿
Sign Up / Log In
Swift
func signUpUser() async {
    var newUser = User()
    newUser.username = "tvUser"
    newUser.password = "secret"
    newUser.email = "[email protected]"
    do {
        try await newUser.signUp()
        print("Sign-up successful.")
    } catch {
        print("Error signing up: \\(error)")
    }
}

func loginUser() async {
    do {
        let loggedIn = try await User.login(username: "tvUser", password: "secret")
        print("Logged in as: \\(loggedIn.username ?? "")")
    } catch {
        print("Login error: \\(error)")
    }
}
func signUpUser() async {
    var newUser = User()
    newUser.username = "tvUser"
    newUser.password = "secret"
    newUser.email = "user@example.com"
    do {
        try await newUser.signUp()
        print("Sign-up successful.")
    } catch {
        print("Error signing up: \\(error)")
    }
}

func loginUser() async {
    do {
        let loggedIn = try await User.login(username: "tvUser", password: "secret")
        print("Logged in as: \\(loggedIn.username ?? "")")
    } catch {
        print("Login error: \\(error)")
    }
}
﻿
Social Login
Configure Facebook or Apple Sign In. Then link accounts:
Swift
try await user.link(with: .apple(idToken: "TOKEN", rawNonce: "NONCE"))
try await user.link(with: .apple(idToken: "TOKEN", rawNonce: "NONCE"))
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Step 6 – Handling File Storage
Setting Up File Storage
Upload user images, game replays, or app assets using ParseFile:
Swift
let fileData = Data(...) // e.g. image bytes
let file = ParseFile(name: "preview.png", data: fileData)
do {
    let savedFile = try await file.save()
    print("File uploaded: \\(savedFile.url)")
} catch {
    print("Error uploading file: \\(error)")
}
let fileData = Data(...) // e.g. image bytes
let file = ParseFile(name: "preview.png", data: fileData)
do {
    let savedFile = try await file.save()
    print("File uploaded: \\(savedFile.url)")
} catch {
    print("Error uploading file: \\(error)")
}
﻿
Example
Attach files to objects:
Swift
struct GameMedia: ParseObject {
    var objectId: String?
    var createdAt: Date?
    var updatedAt: Date?
    var ACL: ParseACL?
    var originalData: Data?

    var screenshot: ParseFile?
}
struct GameMedia: ParseObject {
    var objectId: String?
    var createdAt: Date?
    var updatedAt: Date?
    var ACL: ParseACL?
    var originalData: Data?

    var screenshot: ParseFile?
}
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Security Considerations
Use CLPs or ACLs to secure file references. A file’s direct URL can be publicly accessible unless you enable File Security.
Step 7 – Email Verification and Password Reset
Overview
Email verification helps confirm user ownership of email accounts. Password reset offers a secure, user-friendly way to regain account access.
Back4App Dashboard Configuration
In your app → App Settings → Email
Enable email verification or Password reset.
Customize email templates.
Code Implementation
Swift
func requestPasswordReset(for email: String) async {
    do {
        try await User.passwordReset(email: email)
        print("Password reset link sent.")
    } catch {
        print("Error requesting password reset: \\(error)")
    }
}
func requestPasswordReset(for email: String) async {
    do {
        try await User.passwordReset(email: email)
        print("Password reset link sent.")
    } catch {
        print("Error requesting password reset: \\(error)")
    }
}
﻿
Step 8 – Scheduling Tasks with Cloud Jobs
Cloud Jobs
Automate recurring tasks, like cleaning old data or emailing monthly updates:
JS
Parse.Cloud.job("cleanupOldScores", async (request) => {
  const now = new Date();
  const thirtyDaysAgo = new Date(now - 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000);
  const query = new Parse.Query("GameScore");
  query.lessThan("createdAt", thirtyDaysAgo);
  const oldScores = await query.find({ useMasterKey: true });
  await Parse.Object.destroyAll(oldScores, { useMasterKey: true });
  return `Deleted ${oldScores.length} old scores.`;
});
Parse.Cloud.job("cleanupOldScores", async (request) => {
  const now = new Date();
  const thirtyDaysAgo = new Date(now - 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000);
  const query = new Parse.Query("GameScore");
  query.lessThan("createdAt", thirtyDaysAgo);
  const oldScores = await query.find({ useMasterKey: true });
  await Parse.Object.destroyAll(oldScores, { useMasterKey: true });
  return `Deleted ${oldScores.length} old scores.`;
});
﻿
In the Back4App Dashboard → App Settings → Server Settings → Background Jobs, schedule “cleanupOldScores” to run daily.
Scheduling a Cloud Job
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Step 9 – Integrating Webhooks
Definition
Webhooks enable your Back4App app to send events to external services. This could be sending notifications to Slack, payment updates to Stripe, or analytics data to your server.
Configuration
In your Back4App Dashboard, go to More → WebHooks → Add Webhook. Specify an endpoint (like https://myserver.com/webhook-endpoint) and the triggers (object updates, new records, etc.).
Adding a Webhook
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Example
Notify Slack when a new high score is created:
JS
Parse.Cloud.afterSave("GameScore", async (request) => {
  const score = request.object.get("score");
  await sendToSlack(`A new high score of ${score} was posted!`);
});
Parse.Cloud.afterSave("GameScore", async (request) => {
  const score = request.object.get("score");
  await sendToSlack(`A new high score of ${score} was posted!`);
});
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Step 10 – Exploring the Back4App Admin Panel
Where to Find It
The Back4App Admin App is a user-friendly, model-centric dashboard for managing data, performing CRUD, or editing classes—without needing direct database queries.
Enable it via App Dashboard → More → Admin App.
Enable Admin App
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Features
Once enabled, you can invite team members or clients to manage data, check logs, or adjust push notifications—essentially giving them a direct portal to the backend of your tvOS app.
Conclusion
By following this comprehensive tutorial, you have:
Created a secure backend for your tvOS app using Back4App.
Configured a database with classes, data types, and relationships.
Set up real-time queries to reflect immediate changes.
Applied security through ACLs and CLPs.
Implemented Cloud Code for custom business logic and integrations.
Enabled authentication with email verification and password resets.
Handled file uploads with optional security controls.
Scheduled Cloud Jobs for routine tasks.
Used webhooks to integrate with external services.
Explored the Admin Panel to manage and monitor data.
You are now well-equipped to build rich, high quality Apple TV experiences. Your app is built on a strong foundation—enjoy turning your tvOS app ideas into reality!
Next Steps
Refine your tvOS UI: Incorporate focus-based navigation, big-screen user flows, and App Store best practices.
Enhance security: Add role-based ACL, multi-factor authentication, or advanced encryption.
Deepen your skillset: Explore more advanced Parse Swift features like offline caching or custom analytics.
Check out official docs: Back4App Docs and Apple tvOS Docs for deeper knowledge.
Monetization: Consider subscription or pay-per-view to expand your streaming business potential.
With the fundamentals from this guide, you can continue innovating and integrating new features. Good luck bringing your tvOS app to the next level!
Updated 15 Jan 2025
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