I need to start using the API framework for my next Node.js project. So, considered to use Loopback.io. But, when I go to their website I can see that it comes under StrongLoop Company (IBM) and it has pricing for more than 50,000 api calls. But, they mentioned it was an open source project.
What I want to know is, whether using loopback is priceable or using StrongLoop features on loopback is priceable? May be my question is lack of knowledge. But kindly guide me on this.
Why not build your api for free with express.js? and than push it to heroku or aws (amazon web service)? heck you could use aws api gateway or use expressjs with my current favorite serverless (aws lambda).
For working with expressjs, just google creating api's with express.js and tons of blogs and walk throughs to get up and running. Check out mern starter for api example or check out my repo (includes jwt auth with passport and bcrypt)
FYI with AWS free tier that expires after one year: Amazon API Gateway
AWS Free Tier (Non-expiring Offers) aka never expires: AWS Lambda
It's not uncommon for commercial services to be run based on open source projects.
Loopback is open source. You can set up your own servers and host it.
Or, if you don't want to do that, you can pay IBM to handle that part of things for you.
Àlvar P
I think that the most common way to use loopback is in your own server. I'm currently working in a project with Loopback and we host it in AWS. The SAAS option it's just an option, using loopback self-hosted it's perfectly fine.
Answering @sosana, Loopback is an API framework based on Express, using Express instead of Loopback means losing a lot of great features like the Swagger compliant model generator and the AngularJs SDK.