Freedom251 › Point-of-Sale Software
Pastèque
by Pastèque
What Pastèque is
Pastèque is free, open-source point-of-sale software for retailers, artisans, and agricultural producers. Pastèque API is its PHP core, licensed AGPL3+, and records transactions for the other applications. Management interfaces handle product catalogs, customers, and sales reports. The browser-based jsAdmin can connect to configured APIs, while Pasteque Admin is a PHP web interface recommended for accounts with large data volumes. Pastèque Desktop runs on Windows, GNU/Linux, and macOS with touchscreen or keyboard-and-mouse setups. Pastèque Android supports offline mobile work, including markets and food trucks, and can also serve a fixed shop. The suite supports intermittent connectivity and self-hosted servers. Since September 1, 2025, it is not compliant with France’s 2016 Finance Law for VAT-liable users, except for its non-recording calculator version. It comes without attestation or certification.
Who it suits
Pastèque suits retailers, artisans, and agricultural producers seeking free, open-source checkout software. Its desktop, browser, Android, offline, and self-hosting options fit varied installations.
What it does well
- Free and open-source software
- Records transactions through a PHP core
- Provides catalog, customer, and sales management
- Supports desktop, web, Android, and self-hosting
- Offers offline and intermittent-connectivity use
What to know first
- Not compliant for certain French VAT-liable users
- Comes without attestation or certification
- Large data volumes require the recommended PHP Admin interface
Verdict
Pastèque provides a broad, free point-of-sale suite with transaction recording, reporting, desktop clients, Android mobility, and self-hosting. French VAT-liable businesses should note its stated compliance limitation and lack of certification.
Facts from Pastèque's own pages
- Android and mobility
- The Android version was designed for offline mobile use such as markets and food trucks and can also be used in a fixed shop. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Android and offline use
- Pastèque Android is designed for mobile and offline use, including markets and food trucks; the maker recommends a 7-inch screen for handheld use and 10 inches for fixed use. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Association and location
- The Pastèque association was founded in February 2017 by Lille-based merchants and developers, and its contact page gives an address in Lille, France. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Attestation
- The maker says Pastèque is free software supplied without an attestation or certification. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The association describes its project as free software for retailers; its founding presentation names artisans, retailers, and agricultural producers as intended users. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Browser interface
- Pasteque jsAdmin runs in a browser and can connect to different APIs when each API is configured to accept its instance’s connections. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Certification
- The association says Pastèque is free software and comes without an attestation or certification. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Core system
- Pastèque API, formerly called Serveur, is the suite’s core and records transactions for the other Pastèque applications. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Desktop platforms
- Pastèque Desktop runs on Windows, GNU/Linux, and macOS and is intended for PC-based installations with a touchscreen or keyboard and mouse. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The maker links to direct downloads and source for the server and desktop applications, and provides an Android APK download; its Play Store link is for version 6 only. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- French compliance
- Since September 1, 2025, Pastèque is not compliant with France’s 2016 Finance Law for VAT-liable users, except for the calculator version, which records nothing. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Lille, France · pasteque.org, 28 Sept 2026
- Intermittent connectivity
- Pastèque can operate with intermittent connectivity, and the association recommends contacting a professional provider if unsure. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Large data volumes
- Pasteque Admin is a PHP web interface installed on a server, and the maker recommends it for accounts with large data volumes. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The Pastèque association was founded in February 2017 by Lille-area retailers and IT developers to promote free software and related open technology for retailers. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Management
- Management interfaces let users manage product catalogs and customers and consult sales reports. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Offline mode
- Yes · pasteque.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Other checkout features
- Desktop 8.25 adds default pricing-zone selection, customer account balances on the Z report, and ticket sorting by payment method or amount. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Product
- Pastèque is free software for point-of-sale checkout, developed by a community of enthusiasts, retailers, and professionals. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Sales reporting
- Yes · pasteque.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Self-hosting
- The association says users can install their own server if they want to manage the setup themselves. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Server API
- Pastèque API, formerly called Serveur, is the suite’s PHP core, records transactions, and enables the other Pastèque applications; it is licensed AGPL3+. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The association provides a Wikibook for installation and usage help, an XMPP community room, and a list of professional providers for user accounts and technical or commercial information. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Yavin terminals
- Desktop 8.25 can send the transaction amount to a Yavin payment terminal and receive a completed or abandoned payment response; card collection remains manual in Pastèque. · pasteque.org, 12 Oct 2026
Where Pastèque stands on Freedom251
- Point-of-Sale Software#22 of 113