shelftxt
Open-source FastAPI recommendation engine for books • backend architecture • data handling • scalable systems
What is it?
What it is
Shelftxt is an open-source multi-user recommendation system for organizing and ranking personal TBR libraries. It combines Supabase authentication, PostgreSQL-backed user-owned book storage, and transparent recommendation logic.
Why it exists
Open-source FastAPI recommendation engine for books • backend architecture • data handling • scalable systems
Who should use it
Teams building with Python who want an open-source, self-hosted option.
Who should avoid it
Teams that need a fully managed SaaS with enterprise SLAs out of the box.
How it works
A quick walkthrough in plain English
How shelftxt handles a request
Step 1 of 4
Your app sends a request
A user action or another service calls the API.
Features
Advantages
- Open source (MIT)
- Active Python ecosystem
- Self-hosted deployment options
Disadvantages
- Requires operational ownership for self-hosted setups
- Community support varies by project maturity
Installation
compose
- API: http://127.0.0.1:8000 - Swagger: http://127.0.0.1:8000/docs Run commands from the **repo root** so `backend` resolves as a package. #### Prerequisites - Python 3 - Docker and Docker Compose - Local PostgreSQL through `docker compose` #### Environment Copy the example environment file, then adjust values if your local database differs:
FAQ
What is shelftxt?
shelftxt is an open-source project licensed under MIT.
What language is shelftxt built with?
Primary language: Python.
Is it free to use?
Yes. Licensed under MIT. Check the license for commercial use.
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