--- title: "Supported Database Connectors Overview | DreamFactory | DreamFactory Docs" source: "https://docs.dreamfactory.com/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/database-overview" canonical_url: "https://docs.dreamfactory.com/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/database-overview" converted_at: "2026-04-05T07:01:28.121Z" format: "markdown" converted_by: "html-to-md-ai" --- DreamFactory auto-generates secure REST APIs from your existing databases. Connect any supported database and instantly get full CRUD endpoints, schema management, stored procedure access, and interactive API documentation. --- ## Supported Databases[​](#supported-databases) DreamFactory supports a wide range of SQL and NoSQL databases. Some connectors are included in the open-source package, while others require a commercial license. ### Open Source (Included)[​](#open-source-included) These database connectors are included in DreamFactory OSS and all commercial editions: DatabaseDriverDefault PortDocumentation**PostgreSQL**`pdo_pgsql`5432[PostgreSQL Guide](/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/postgresql)**MySQL / MariaDB**`pdo_mysql`3306[MySQL Guide](/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/generating-database-backed-api)**SQLite**`pdo_sqlite`N/A (file)[SQLite Guide](/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/sqlite)**Microsoft SQL Server**`pdo_sqlsrv`1433[SQL Server Guide](/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/sql-server)**Google AlloyDB**`pdo_pgsql`5432[AlloyDB Guide](/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/alloydb) ### Commercial License Required[​](#commercial-license-required) These database connectors require a DreamFactory commercial license (Gold or Platinum editions): DatabaseDriverDefault PortNotes**Oracle Database**`pdo_oci`1521Oracle Instant Client required**IBM DB2**`pdo_ibm`50000IBM Data Server Driver required**IBM Informix**`pdo_informix`9088Informix Client SDK required**SAP SQL Anywhere**`pdo_sqlanywhere`2638SQL Anywhere client required**Firebird**`pdo_firebird`3050Firebird client library required LicensingFor commercial database connector licensing, contact [DreamFactory Sales](https://www.dreamfactory.com/contact) or visit the [pricing page](https://www.dreamfactory.com/pricing). --- ## Common Features Across All Databases[​](#common-features-across-all-databases) Regardless of which database you connect, DreamFactory provides: ### Auto-Generated REST Endpoints[​](#auto-generated-rest-endpoints) - **Tables**: `GET/POST/PUT/PATCH/DELETE` on `/_table/{table_name}` - **Schema**: `GET/POST/PUT/DELETE` on `/_schema` for schema management - **Stored Procedures**: `GET/POST` on `/_proc/{procedure_name}` - **Stored Functions**: `GET/POST` on `/_func/{function_name}` ### Query Capabilities[​](#query-capabilities) - **Filtering**: Use SQL-style filters via query parameters - **Sorting**: Order results by any column(s) - **Pagination**: Limit and offset for large result sets - **Field Selection**: Return only specified columns - **Related Data**: Include related records via joins ### Security Features[​](#security-features) - **API Key Authentication**: Required for all endpoint access - **Role-Based Access Control**: Table, column, and verb-level permissions - **Record-Level Filtering**: Restrict data visibility per user/role - **Rate Limiting**: Configurable throttling per user, role, or endpoint - **Audit Logging**: Track all API requests --- ## Choosing the Right Database Connector[​](#choosing-the-right-database-connector) ### By Use Case[​](#by-use-case) Use CaseRecommended DatabaseNew projects, cloud-native appsPostgreSQL, AlloyDBMicrosoft ecosystem integrationSQL ServerEmbedded/local applicationsSQLiteLegacy enterprise systemsOracle, DB2, InformixHigh-performance analyticsPostgreSQL, AlloyDB ### By Cloud Provider[​](#by-cloud-provider) Cloud ProviderNative Database ServiceDreamFactory ConnectorAWSRDS PostgreSQL, RDS MySQL, RDS SQL ServerPostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL ServerGoogle CloudCloud SQL, AlloyDBPostgreSQL, MySQL, AlloyDBMicrosoft AzureAzure SQL, Azure PostgreSQLSQL Server, PostgreSQLSelf-hostedAny supported databaseFull compatibility --- ## Connection Architecture[​](#connection-architecture) DreamFactory connects to your databases using standard database drivers: ``` ┌─────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐│ API Client │────▶│ DreamFactory │────▶│ Database ││ (App/Service) │◀────│ (REST API) │◀────│ Server │└─────────────────┘ └──────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘ │ │ │ HTTP/HTTPS PDO Driver Native Protocol + API Key (pdo_pgsql, (PostgreSQL, + JWT (optional) pdo_mysql, etc.) MySQL, etc.) ``` ### Key Architectural Points[​](#key-architectural-points) 1. **DreamFactory acts as a secure proxy** - Your database is never directly exposed 2. **Connection credentials are stored encrypted** - Never transmitted to API clients 3. **Single connection pool** - Efficient database resource utilization 4. **Caching layer** - Optional response caching for improved performance --- ## Driver Installation[​](#driver-installation) DreamFactory Cloud includes all drivers pre-installed. For self-managed installations: ### PHP PDO Extensions Required[​](#php-pdo-extensions-required) DatabasePHP ExtensionInstallation (Ubuntu/Debian)PostgreSQL`pdo_pgsql``apt-get install php-pgsql`MySQL`pdo_mysql``apt-get install php-mysql`SQLite`pdo_sqlite``apt-get install php-sqlite3`SQL Server`pdo_sqlsrv`See [SQL Server driver docs](/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/sql-server#driver-setup-for-self-managed-installations)Oracle`pdo_oci`Requires Oracle Instant Client For complete installation instructions, see [Installing Additional Drivers](/getting-started/installing-dreamfactory/installing-additional-drivers). --- ## Performance Optimization[​](#performance-optimization) ### Connection Pooling[​](#connection-pooling) DreamFactory maintains persistent database connections. Configure pool size based on expected concurrent API requests. ### Caching[​](#caching) Enable caching for read-heavy workloads: - **Per-service caching**: Configure in service settings - **Cache TTL**: Set appropriate expiration times - **Cache backends**: Redis, Memcached, or local file cache ### Query Optimization[​](#query-optimization) - Use **field selection** to return only needed columns - Apply **filters** server-side rather than client-side - Use **pagination** for large datasets - Consider **database views** for complex, frequently-used queries --- ## Security Best Practices[​](#security-best-practices) ### Database User Permissions[​](#database-user-permissions) Create dedicated database users for DreamFactory with minimal required permissions: ``` -- PostgreSQL example: read-only userCREATE USER dreamfactory_ro WITH PASSWORD 'secure_password';GRANT CONNECT ON DATABASE myapp TO dreamfactory_ro;GRANT USAGE ON SCHEMA public TO dreamfactory_ro;GRANT SELECT ON ALL TABLES IN SCHEMA public TO dreamfactory_ro; ``` ### Network Security[​](#network-security) - Use private networks/VPCs when possible - Enable SSL/TLS for database connections - Restrict database access to DreamFactory IP addresses - Never expose databases directly to the internet ### DreamFactory RBAC[​](#dreamfactory-rbac) Layer DreamFactory's RBAC on top of database permissions: - Create roles with minimum required access - Use record-level filters for multi-tenant applications - Separate API keys for different applications/environments --- ## Next Steps[​](#next-steps) - **[Generating a Database-Backed API](/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/generating-database-backed-api)**: Step-by-step guide for your first database API - **[Querying & Filtering](/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/querying-filtering)**: Learn advanced query syntax - **[PostgreSQL](/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/postgresql)**: Connect PostgreSQL databases - **[SQLite](/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/sqlite)**: Connect local SQLite databases - **[SQL Server](/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/sql-server)**: Connect Microsoft SQL Server - **[AlloyDB](/api-generation-and-connections/api-types/database/alloydb)**: Connect Google AlloyDB For database-specific questions, consult the individual database guides or contact DreamFactory support.