Cube.js

Cube.js is a universal semantic layer that sits between your data sources and applications. Think of it as a smart middleware that connects to data warehouses like Snowflake, BigQuery, or Postgres and transforms raw data into business-ready metrics and dimensions.

Unlike traditional BI tools that lock you into specific interfaces, Cube.js provides flexible APIs that work with any application or tool. You define your data model once using code, and Cube.js automatically generates optimized SQL queries, handles caching for faster performance, and provides consistent results across all your applications.

The platform consists of two main offerings: Cube Core (open-source) for self-hosting and Cube Cloud (managed service) with additional enterprise features. Both versions support the same core functionality but Cube Cloud includes hosting, security features, and integrations with popular BI tools like Tableau and Power BI.

Getting started with Cube.js is straightforward, whether you choose the open-source or cloud version. Here's how:

For Cube Cloud (Recommended):

• Sign up for a free account at cube.dev

• Connect your data source (Snowflake, BigQuery, Postgres, etc.)

• Use the visual data model editor to define your metrics and dimensions

• Generate APIs automatically and test queries

• Connect your BI tools or applications to the generated endpoints

For self-hosting Cube Core:

• Install via Docker or npm package

• Configure your database connection

• Define data models using YAML or JavaScript files

• Run the development server to test your setup

Best practices for success:

• Start with simple metrics and gradually add complexity

• Use the built-in caching features to improve performance

• Organize your data models using folders and namespaces

• Take advantage of pre-aggregations for frequently used queries

• Use version control to manage your data model changes

• Test your APIs thoroughly before connecting production applications

• Universal semantic layer for consistent data access

• REST, GraphQL, and SQL APIs with auto-optimization

• Smart caching and pre-aggregations for fast queries

• 20+ data source connectors including Snowflake, BigQuery

• Code-first data modeling with version control support

• Row and column-level security controls

• Native BI tool integrations (Tableau, Power BI, Excel)

• Open source and managed cloud options

• Real-time data updates and streaming

• Visual data model editor