The Elegant GraphQL Alternative
Protocol Beamer offers the power of GraphQL with a simpler, more performant architecture based on the BASE Data Protocol.
What is Protocol Beamer?
Protocol Beamer is an alternative approach to GraphQL that provides similar functionality through a simpler, more performant architecture. Instead of complex schema definitions and resolvers, Protocol Beamer uses the BASE Data Protocol with flat table structures, type-prefixed columns, and functional query composition to achieve the same goals.
How It Works
Unified Data Model
A single flat table where entity types are distinguished by a `type` field and entity-specific properties use type-prefixed column names (e.g., `post_title`, `user_email`). This eliminates complex joins and simplifies the data model.
Query String as the Glue
The query string acts as the glue tying consumers to the backend. It uses standardized syntax patterns for consistent querying across all implementations, making it easy to learn and use.
Functional Composition
Request processing is handled through a pipeline of functions (async monads), providing a clean, predictable, and error-resistant workflow for validation, querying, and data transformation.
Query Example
A simple URL with query parameters is translated into an efficient SQL query.
Query URL:
/query/post?tags=title=blog:intro,view_count=100:200Translated SQL:
SELECT * FROM items
WHERE type = 'post'
AND post_title IN ('blog', 'intro')
AND post_view_count IN (100, 200)
ORDER BY created_at DESC
LIMIT 10 OFFSET 0;Key Advantages
Simplicity
No complex schema definitions or resolvers. A single, foundational protocol structure simplifies development and reduces the learning curve.
Performance
Eliminates N+1 query problems by design. The single-table approach avoids costly joins, leading to faster and more efficient queries.
Type Safety
Achieve end-to-end type safety through protocol validation and type-prefixed columns, ensuring robust and maintainable code without complex tooling.
Flexibility
The same patterns work for both single-table and multi-table architectures. The flexible `details` field allows for schema evolution without migrations.
Developer Experience
An intuitive, URL-based querying interface that is easy for both developers and automated tools to work with. Functional composition provides clean error handling.
Framework Agnostic
Works with any HTTP client or frontend framework. The protocol is not tied to any specific technology stack.
The Vision: Beyond GraphQL
Protocol Beamer is evolving into the definitive GraphQL alternative with a complete managed service platform. Our vision includes everything GraphQL supports, plus simplified development processes and AI-powered tooling through Beamer Labs standards.
🏗️ Development Process
Use Protocol Beamer as a complete development methodology with standardized patterns for mobile, web, and backend applications.
☁️ Managed Service
Deploy queryable data graphs through protocolbeamer.com with one-click deployment, auto-scaling, and comprehensive management tools.
🔧 Complete Tooling
Visual table designer, migration tools, function deployment, and everything needed to build production-ready applications.
🤖 AI Integration
Opinionated AI that uses Beamer Labs standardized approaches to accelerate development with intelligent code generation.
🌐 Universal SDKs
Auto-generated client libraries for all major languages and frameworks, with deep integration for React, Flutter, and more.
🏢 Enterprise Ready
Multi-tenancy, RBAC, audit logging, compliance tools, and enterprise-grade security for production applications.