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Connecting a Database

This guide explains how to store, retrieve, and manage data in your Newly app using the built-in Liquid Backend.

When You Need a Database

You need a database when:
  • Data should persist across app restarts
  • Data should sync across devices
  • Users need their own personal data
  • You’re building any CRUD application

Basic Data Storage

Creating a Simple Feature

Let’s build a notes app to demonstrate database concepts:
When you request data persistence, Liquid Backend automatically creates the necessary database tables and API endpoints.

Understanding the Data Model

How the AI Creates Tables

The AI analyzes your request and creates an appropriate schema:

Being Explicit About Schema

For complex data, be specific:

CRUD Operations

Create (Adding Data)

Read (Fetching Data)

Update (Editing Data)

Delete (Removing Data)

Relationships Between Data

One-to-Many Relationships

Querying and Filtering

Sorting

Filtering

Optimistic Updates

For better UX, update the UI before the server responds:

Error Handling

Viewing Your Data

Use the Database Viewer to inspect your data:
  1. Click the Database icon in the preview header
  2. Select a table from the sidebar
  3. Browse records and their values
This is useful for:
  • Debugging data issues
  • Verifying saves work correctly
  • Understanding the data structure

Best Practices

Validate Before Saving

Check data is valid before sending to server

Show Loading States

Indicate when data is being fetched or saved

Handle Errors

Always handle and display errors gracefully

Use Optimistic Updates

Update UI immediately for better responsiveness

Next Steps

Add Authentication

Secure your data with user accounts

Supabase Integration

Use Supabase for advanced features