Intro to the Data & API

WeWeb's native database & APIs helps you store data, manage users, and run secure server logic, without setting up a separate service. You'll create tables for your data, build views with filters and parameters, and expose API Endpoints that your app can call.

Understanding the backend

The Data & API tab is what is termed the 'backend'. The backend is different to the interface. In the backend, all logic and data is secure. Whereas, in the interface, any workflows and variables you have are not secure and are viewable/editable by malicious users.

This means you can utilize the backend to store private data and handle secure logic.

Core blocks

• Tables — Define structured data (rows and columns). Learn more →
• Views — Saved filters, sorts, and parameters over a table. Learn more →
• API Endpoints — Secure, versioned workflows for database editing and third‑party APIs. Learn more →
• Authentication — Manage users and roles; enforce access on views and API Endpoints. Learn more →

Creating a table

1. Go to Database & APIs → Tables
2. Click + Add table, name it, and optionally add a description
3. Define the columns of the table, such as a text or number column

COLUMN TYPES AND SETTINGS

Columns have various available types and settings that you can configure. Understanding all these possible types and configurations allows you to build as efficiently and as scalably as possible.

Learn more about tables →

Adding data to the table

You can add records in two ways:

Inline in the editor

• Open the table and click into a row to edit fields
• Use bulk select to delete or update many records at once

Via an API Endpoint (recommended for production)

1. Create an API Endpoint in Database & APIs → Backend Workflows→ API Endpoints
2. Add inputs (for example, name, logoUrl, or a Table Link to auto‑map columns)
3. Add the action Tables | Insert data, map inputs to columns
4. In Interface, call the API Endpoint from a workflow by adding an action in Workflows → API, then selecting your endpoint

SECURING DATA ACTIONS

It is critical to have a solid understanding of API Endpoints so you can ensure your data updates are both performative and secured.

Learn more about API Endpoints →

Fetching data from a table

You typically fetch data with a view or an API Endpoint:

Views for lists and UI binding

1. Go to Database & APIs → Tables, then select the table you want to use.
2. At the top of the table, click New view.
3. (Optional) Click Parameters and add things like search if you want your view to be filterable (for example, a search input in your interface).
4. Set up what the view should return using Filters, Sort, and Security (for example Public or Authenticated).

API Endpoint for custom logic

1. Create an API Endpoint in Database & APIs → Backend Workflows → API Endpoints
2. Use Tables | Get data with either: - By ID to fetch a single record - By Filters to fetch matching records (optionally set fields, sort, limit)
3. Return the resulting data
4. Call the API Endpoint from the interface and use the resulting data (such as saving it in a variable)

FILTERS, SORTS & PARAMETERS

Using views massively simplifies the process of retrieving exactly the data you need.

Learn more about views →

Practical examples

BUILD GUIDES

See full, practical examples of using tables, views, and API Endpoints.

See backend build guides →