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BaseX

basex.org

Free plan WebWindowsmacOSLinuxAPISelf-hosted
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Spec score 8.1 #10 of 28 in Document Databases

What it is

BaseX is a free, open-source XML database engine and XQuery processor for data-intensive web applications. It stores XML documents, binary data, and XQuery values, and handles XML, HTML, JSON, and CSV formats. Its XQuery 4.0 processor supports the W3C Update and Full Text extensions. You can operate it from the command line, in client/server mode, or through desktop and web interfaces. The graphical interface provides a query editor with syntax highlighting, keyword search, interactive visualizations, and server administration. RESTXQ supports building web applications with XQuery, while the server offers REST and WebDAV access to databases and resources. Concurrent reads, ACID-safe write transactions, user permissions, and secure authentication are supported. BaseX runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with API and self-hosted deployment listed. Java 17 or higher is required, and Adoptium distributions are recommended. The BaseX plan costs nothing.

Spec sheet

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

Plans and prices

BaseX Free Completely open source · Java 17 or higher required Read 8 Oct 2026 · basex.org

Every BaseX plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and completely open source
  • XQuery 4.0 with W3C extensions
  • REST, WebDAV, and RESTXQ support
  • ACID-safe write transactions
  • Linux, macOS, and Windows support

Limits

  • Requires Java 17 or higher
  • Self-hosted deployment requires your infrastructure

Who it suits

BaseX suits developers building self-hosted, XML-oriented applications who need XQuery processing, database services, and desktop or web interfaces. Java 17 or higher is required.

Verdict

BaseX combines XML storage, advanced XQuery processing, web application tooling, and database administration in one self-hosted product. Its free plan and broad interfaces suit teams comfortable managing Java-based software.

Where Specifiction places it

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