# Convex (/templates/convex)



[Convex](https://www.convex.dev) is a reactive backend: a database, server functions and realtime sync that your frontend subscribes to. This template runs the open-source self-hosted version.

Deploy it from the [template list](/templates#deploy-a-template). It takes a minute or two.

## What gets deployed [#what-gets-deployed]

<TemplateServices name="Convex" />

Convex keeps its files on a volume mounted at `/convex/data`. The data itself lives in the PostgreSQL service.

## What you fill in [#what-you-fill-in]

<TemplateInputs name="Convex" />

## After it deploys [#after-it-deploys]

Open the **Convex Backend** service and copy the value of `CONVEX_SELF_HOSTED_ADMIN_KEY` from its variables. You need it in two places:

* **Dashboard**: open your dashboard domain and paste the key to sign in.
* **CLI**: point the Convex CLI at your instance from your project folder.

```bash title=".env.local"
CONVEX_SELF_HOSTED_URL=https://your-cloud-domain
CONVEX_SELF_HOSTED_ADMIN_KEY=your-admin-key
```

After that, `npx convex dev` and `npx convex deploy` talk to your instance.

## Good to know [#good-to-know]

* **Three domains**: the dashboard, the cloud API your app connects to, and HTTP actions each get their own domain. Your app uses the cloud domain as its Convex URL.
* **Treat the admin key like a password**: anyone who has it can read and change everything in the deployment.