Bubble's built-in database is great for most projects. But when you need more power, Xano is the answer.
Why Use Xano with Bubble?
Performance - Xano is faster for complex queries
Workload Units - Reduce WU consumption significantly
Scalability - Enterprise-grade infrastructure
Flexibility - More control over data operations
When to Consider Xano
You might need Xano when: - Database operations are slow - WU costs are too high - You need complex calculations - Multiple apps share data - You're building for enterprise
Architecture Overview
Bubble: Frontend, UI, user interactions
Setting Up the Integration
- Create your Xano workspace
- Design your database schema
- Build API endpoints
- Connect from Bubble's API Connector
Database Design in Xano
Think carefully about structure: - Normalize your data - Add proper indexes - Plan for relationships - Consider query patterns
Building APIs
Create endpoints for each operation:
GET /users - List all users
Authentication
Sync authentication between platforms: - Use Xano for auth if possible - Or validate Bubble tokens in Xano - Keep sessions synchronized
Data Synchronization
Keep data consistent: - Use Xano as source of truth - Update in real-time - Handle conflicts gracefully
Performance Optimization
Maximize speed: - Use pagination - Implement caching - Optimize queries - Use background tasks
Cost Analysis
Compare total costs: - Bubble WU savings - Xano subscription - Development time - Maintenance overhead
Migration Strategy
Move to Xano gradually: 1. Start with new features 2. Migrate high-traffic tables 3. Keep simple data in Bubble 4. Test thoroughly
Best Practices
- Document your APIs
- Version your endpoints
- Monitor performance
- Plan for failures
Xano and Bubble together create a powerful, scalable architecture for serious applications.
