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BaseX

Free plan APILinuxMacSelf-hostedWebWindows

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BaseX's own site

What BaseX is

BaseX is an XML database engine and XQuery processor for building data-intensive web applications. It stores XML documents, binary data, and XQuery values, and supports XML, HTML, JSON, and CSV formats. Its XQuery 4.0 processor includes the W3C Update and Full Text extensions. BaseX can be used from the command line, in client/server mode, or through graphical interfaces for desktop and web. The GUI offers a query editor with syntax highlighting, keyword search, interactive data visualizations, and server administration. Developers can use RESTXQ to build web applications with XQuery; the server also provides REST and WebDAV access to databases and resources. It supports concurrent reads, ACID-safe write transactions, user permissions, and secure authentication. BaseX is self-hosted and completely open source, with a free plan. Running it requires Java 17 or higher; Adoptium distributions are recommended. BaseX GmbH offers professional support, software development, and XML technology training. The project began as a university research project, with development documented in publications, conference articles, and theses.

Who it suits

BaseX suits developers building data-intensive applications around XML and XQuery who can manage a self-hosted deployment and Java 17 or higher. Its command-line, client/server, and graphical interfaces offer different ways to work with it.

What it does well

  • Stores XML, binary data, and XQuery values
  • Supports REST and WebDAV server access
  • Provides ACID-safe write transactions
  • Includes desktop and web graphical interfaces

What to know first

  • Requires Java 17 or higher
  • Uses a self-hosted deployment model

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
BaseXCompletely open source · Java 17 or higher requiredFree

As basex.org lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

  1. Visit https://basex.org/.
  2. Use the free BaseX plan, which is completely open source.
  3. Prepare Java 17 or higher; Adoptium distributions are recommended.
  4. Run BaseX on Linux, macOS, or Windows in a self-hosted setup.
  5. Choose the command line, client/server mode, or graphical user interface.

Verdict

BaseX combines XML storage with XQuery processing and web application interfaces. Its Java prerequisite and self-hosted model are important considerations.

Questions

How much does BaseX cost?

The BaseX plan costs nothing.

Is BaseX open source?

Yes. BaseX is completely open source.

Which platforms does BaseX support?

Linux, macOS, and Windows are listed, along with API, web, and self-hosted contexts.

What does BaseX require?

It requires Java 17 or higher. Adoptium distributions are recommended.

What formats can BaseX store or handle?

It supports XML documents, binary data, and XQuery values. Listed document formats include XML, HTML, JSON, and CSV.

Who provides BaseX support?

BaseX GmbH provides professional support, individual software development, and training on XML technologies.

Facts from BaseX's own pages

Data types
BaseX supports storing XML documents, binary data, and XQuery values. · docs.basex.org, 8 Oct 2026
GUI features
The GUI includes interactive data visualizations, a query editor with syntax highlighting, keyword search, and server administration. · basex.org, 8 Oct 2026
Interfaces
BaseX can be used from the command line, in client/server mode, or through its graphical user interface. · basex.org, 8 Oct 2026
Platforms
The download page lists a Windows installer, Linux packages, macOS Homebrew installation, and a Java archive package. · basex.org, 8 Oct 2026
Product
BaseX is an XML database engine and XQuery processor with support for the W3C Update and Full Text extensions. · basex.org, 8 Oct 2026
Project history
BaseX started as a university research project, with development documented through publications, conference articles, and theses. · basex.org, 8 Oct 2026
Query language
BaseX provides an XQuery 4.0 processor with full support for the W3C Update and Full Text extensions. · docs.basex.org, 8 Oct 2026
Requirement
The listed prerequisite is Java 17 or higher, with Adoptium distributions recommended. · basex.org, 8 Oct 2026
Server access
The server provides REST and WebDAV services for accessing databases and resources. · basex.org, 8 Oct 2026
Support
BaseX GmbH provides professional support, individual software development, and training on XML technologies. · basex.org, 8 Oct 2026
Transactions and access
The server supports concurrent reads, ACID safe write transactions, and user permissions with secure authentication. · basex.org, 8 Oct 2026
Use
BaseX is presented as a framework for building data intensive web applications and includes desktop and web based user interfaces. · basex.org, 8 Oct 2026
Web development
RESTXQ enables development of web applications using XQuery. · docs.basex.org, 8 Oct 2026

Where BaseX stands on Freedom251

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