Data
This section covers the different ways you work with data in Bubble
This section takes a long-form look at how Bubble manages different types of data. To see the concise, technical description of data sources, operators, comparisons, search and privacy, you can check out our more concise core reference entry on data.
Introduction
Working with data is fundamental to any application. In fact, it’s such a core aspect of app development that it’s difficult to imagine an app that doesn’t rely on data in some way. Whether the data is generated by users, managed by you, or imported from external services, the ability to collect, store, and display information is what enables most applications to function.
Consider a ride-sharing app—it requires data on drivers, customers, and locations to complete a transaction. A social media platform relies on user profiles, photos, and user-generated content. A news website needs articles and images. While these apps handle different types of data, they all follow the same fundamental principles of data management: collecting, storing, and presenting information to users.
The ability to work with data is what allows apps to do what they do best: provide value to users.
Not only do most apps by their most basic definition work with data, but they mostly all do it in the same way: by storing the data in a database.
In this section, we'll cover many topics related to data in Bubble:
How to manage the data in your database
Managing files uploaded by your and your users
Working with static data
Working with temporary data and variables
Managing users and letting them sign up for an account in your app
What is a database?
The database is like the unsung hero of the tech world. It quietly sits in the background, doing its thing, while most users don't know how it works or even that it exists. All they see is a nice-looking user interface that always seems to have their data ready. But without the database none of those apps and websites would be of any use.
So how does a database work? Imagine a massive spreadsheet with hundreds, thousands, or even millions of rows and columns, where each cell contains a piece of data. Each row represents a single entity, such as a customer or an order, while each column defines a specific attribute, like a name or order number.
This comparison isn’t just a metaphor—a spreadsheet is a type of database. However, the databases used in web applications are designed for speed, security, and efficiency. They can process complex queries, retrieve specific records instantly, and handle vast amounts of data without slowing down.
That's why great applications are those who put a lot of work into the combination of working efficiently with data and great design. A social media app like Facebook or a video app like TikTok would not be very interesting if all they presented was a spreadsheet of likes and URLs to video clips; the data and design go hand in hand to create a success story.
Bubble's database
Setting up and managing a database has traditionally been a complex task, often requiring specialized training, such as a degree in computer science, along with additional education and certifications.
One of Bubble's key advantages is its built-in database, which is automatically configured when you create your app. This eliminates the need for dedicated database administrators, allowing you to focus on building your app without worrying about backend infrastructure.
Bubble handles most aspects of database management for you, including:
Creating the database when you first set up your app
Setting up and maintaining two : one for testing and one for live users
Keeping it operational and maintaining
its content to store and transfer it securely
Take that can be recovered at any time
Privacy Rules keeps user data securely protected, based on who is trying to access it
Creating and maintaining user profiles with secure passwords
Regular
You can read more about Bubble's security on our dedicated security page. Page: Bubble security
Types of data
As you develop your Bubble application you'll find that you need to store data in different ways, and we split these into three categories:
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