I'm not trying to deploy to production.
I'm not setting up infra.
I just want to build something.
Yet somehow, getting a local database looks like this:
- Install Docker
- Learn Docker (enough to not break things)
- Run Docker
- Write a
docker-compose.yml - Pull images
- Expose ports
- Pray nothing else is already using that port
All of this… just to get Postgres running locally.
That friction adds up. Especially when you're experimenting, prototyping, or switching projects often.
The Real Problem
The problem isn't Postgres.
The problem is that starting a database shouldn't feel like infrastructure work.
Databases are foundational tools. They should be:
- Fast to start
- Easy to stop
- Disposable
- Local-first
Instead, we've normalized spinning up containers, managing configs, and debugging environment issues before we even write our first query.
What If It Was Just One Command?
What if starting a database was as simple as:
instant-db start
No Docker.
No containers to manage.
No extra mental overhead.
Just… a database. Running. Ready.
That question is why I'm building Instant DB.
Introducing Instant DB
Instant DB is a single-command local database launcher.
Right now, it supports:
- PostgreSQL
- Redis
More engines are coming.
You run one command, and you immediately have a working database instance you can connect to from your app, your ORM, or your SQL client.
It's designed for:
- Local development
- Prototyping
- Testing
- Side projects
- Hackathons
- Anyone who just wants to move fast
Why Not Docker?
Docker is powerful — but it's also heavy.
For many developers, especially beginners or solo builders like me:
- Docker adds cognitive load
- Debugging containers becomes a distraction
- The setup cost outweighs the benefit for local work
Instant DB isn't trying to replace Docker in production.
It's trying to remove friction during development.
The Goal
My goal with Instant DB is simple:
Databases should feel like tools, not projects.
You shouldn't need a tutorial to start a local database.
You shouldn't lose momentum before you even begin.
Still Early — But Moving Fast
Instant DB is still evolving.
Postgres and Redis are just the beginning.
The vision is a growing list of supported databases, all started the same way:
instant-db start
One command.
Instant database.
Zero drama.
Try It / Get Involved 🚀
👉 GitHub:
https://github.com/db-toolkit/instantdb
👉 Install instantly:
curl -sSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/db-toolkit/instant-db/main/install.sh | bash
If this resonates with you — I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback.
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