# BackAnt

> AI-powered CLI that scaffolds production-ready Flask backends in seconds.

BackAnt is a developer tool that generates complete, layered Flask API projects from a single JSON spec or natural language prompt. It works as both a standalone CLI and an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server compatible with 30+ AI coding agents.

## Quick Start

```bash
npx backant-wizard@latest
```

This wizard detects your AI agent (Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, etc.) and configures BackAnt as an MCP server automatically.

## Documentation

- Main docs: https://docs.backant.io/
- Getting started: https://docs.backant.io/getting-started
- MCP integration: https://docs.backant.io/mcp
- CLI reference: https://docs.backant.io/cli
- JSON spec format: https://docs.backant.io/json-spec

## What BackAnt Generates

From a single command or MCP call, BackAnt creates:

- Flask application with proper blueprints
- Route handlers with request/response models
- Service layer with business logic
- Repository layer for data access
- SQLAlchemy models with relationships
- Docker & docker-compose files (dev + prod)
- GitHub Actions CI/CD workflow
- Requirements.txt with dependencies

## Key Commands

```bash
# Generate full API project
ant generate api <name> --json spec.json

# Add route to existing project
ant generate route <name>

# Add sub-route (nested endpoint)
ant generate subroute <parent> <name>
```

## MCP Tools

When running as MCP server, BackAnt exposes:

- `backant_generate_api` - Create new Flask API project
- `backant_generate_route` - Add route to existing project
- `backant_generate_subroute` - Add nested endpoint

## Pricing

- Free: 100 MCP requests/month
- Vibe Coder ($15/mo): 1,000 requests/month
- Startup ($50/engineer/mo): 5,000 requests/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing

## Links

- Website: https://backant.io
- GitHub: https://github.com/backant-io
- Discord: https://discord.gg/6GNzK2SAeC
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/backant_io

## Comparison

vs manual Flask setup: BackAnt generates in seconds what takes hours to scaffold manually, with consistent architecture and best practices built in.

vs FastAPI generators: BackAnt specifically targets Flask with opinionated patterns (routes/services/repos), Docker configs, and CI/CD - not just endpoint stubs.

vs Django: BackAnt generates lightweight Flask APIs, ideal for microservices and AI agent backends. Django is better for monolithic apps with admin panels.

## FAQ

Q: What Python version is required?
A: Python 3.10+

Q: Does it support databases other than PostgreSQL?
A: Currently PostgreSQL via SQLAlchemy. MySQL and SQLite planned.

Q: Can I customize the generated code?
A: Yes, all generated code is fully editable. BackAnt creates a starting point, not a locked framework.

Q: How does MCP authentication work?
A: OAuth2 flow via backant.io. The wizard handles setup automatically.