Architecture

Bookcard is a self-hosted platform designed for ebook management and reading, structured with a modern, layered architecture. It addresses the needs of users who want to organize, access, and interact with their digital libraries through a system that emphasizes clear separation of concerns and robust security practices. js React application for its frontend, providing an interactive user interface, while the backend is powered by a FastAPI Python application. Data storage is handled by PostgreSQL, with SQLite available for development environments. Background tasks, such as library scanning and file conversions, are managed using Redis and Dramatiq, allowing for efficient handling of long-running operations.

Bookcard’s backend is organized into distinct layers: an API layer for handling routes, request validation, and authentication; a service layer responsible for business logic and orchestration; a repository layer managing database queries and file operations; and a model layer that defines database models and schemas. The system employs dependency injection, inversion of control, and adheres to SOLID principles to maintain code quality and modularity. js app leverages both server and client components, supporting data fetching, SEO, and interactive features. Communication between the frontend and backend occurs via HTTP/REST API requests, with user actions in the browser triggering this data flow.

Security is a core aspect of Bookcard’s architecture. The platform implements JWT authentication for stateless token-based access, supports OIDC for enterprise single sign-on integration, and enforces role-based access control (RBAC). Input validation is managed through Pydantic schemas, ensuring data integrity and security across all inputs. Bookcard is suitable for users or organizations seeking a self-hosted solution to manage and read ebooks, with features that support secure access, background processing, and modular development practices.