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Overview

Lumenize is a powerful backend system that combines foundational concepts with cutting-edge features to create a flexible, scalable platform built for modern enterprise applications.

Core Concepts

Lumenize is built around several key concepts that work together to provide a comprehensive backend solution.

The OrgTree

The core data structure of every Lumenize server instance is the OrgTree - a directed acyclic graph (DAG) with a single root node representing your organization.

Key characteristics:

  • Single root: The root node represents the organization (e.g., IBM or DHS)
  • Hierarchical structure: Primary children are divisions, departments, teams, and other organizational units
  • Multiple parents: Unlike traditional trees, nodes can have multiple parents
  • Extensible: Add custom fields to org unit schemas to fit your needs

Entities and Schemas

Everything in Lumenize is an entity - a data object with:

  • A defined schema
  • A unique identifier (UUIDv4)
  • Attachment to the OrgTree (directly or indirectly)

OrgNode Schema

Default OrgTree node fields:

  • id: Unique UUIDv4 identifier
  • slug: Unique string slug within the OrgTree
  • name: Human-readable name
  • children: Object mapping child node IDs to relationship metadata

You can extend nodes with custom schemas while preserving core functionality.

Temporal Data Model

Lumenize maintains complete history using valid time semantics:

  • Snapshots: Immutable versions of entities at specific points in time
  • Time periods: Each snapshot has validFrom (inclusive) and validTo (exclusive) timestamps
  • Continuous timeline: No gaps between snapshots
  • Built for Temporal API: Designed around JavaScript’s upcoming Temporal API

Database Capabilities

Multi-Paradigm Data Store

Document DB + Relational DB + Realtime DB + Temporal DB + ORM

  • Document DB behavior: MongoDB-like query language using SQLite’s JSON support
  • Relational DB behavior: Specify fields for indexing, uniqueness, and foreign keys
  • Realtime DB behavior: Pub-sub over WebSockets for live updates
  • Temporal DB behavior: Queryable history of all changes maintained automatically
  • ORM behavior: Schema enforcement and validation

API Interfaces

Model Context Protocol (MCP) Support

  • Automatic tool exposure: All public DO class methods become MCP tools
  • Resource access: All entities exposed as MCP resources
  • HTTP stream support: (Coming soon)
  • Full MCP compliance: Complete tools and resources spec with subscribe/unsubscribe (Coming soon)

Cloudflare Native RPC

  • Seamless integration: Your DO class methods are automatically available as RPC
  • Built-in MCP methods: Access MCP functionality via native RPC (e.g., stub['tools/subtract'](42, 23))
  • Convenient aliases: Snake_case alternatives (e.g., stub.tools_subtract(42, 23))

JSON-RPC 2.0

  • Full spec compliance: Batches, notifications, errors, named/positional parameters
  • Method exposure: All public DO class methods automatically available
  • Entity operations: Built-in get, upsert, delete methods for all entities
  • Multi-transport: HTTP and WebSockets (unlike Cloudflare native RPC)
  • Real-time subscriptions: Subscribe to entity updates via WebSockets

Client Libraries

Reactive Clients

  • Svelte support: useLumenize() hook with automatic reactivity
  • React support: (Coming soon)
  • WebSocket multiplexing: Shared connections across browser tabs via SharedWorker
  • Storage-based reactivity: localStorage/StorageEvent core for custom implementations

Generic Client

  • Universal compatibility: Non-reactive LumenizeClient for any JavaScript/TypeScript environment
  • Simple API: Clean interface for all Lumenize operations
  • Flexible transport: HTTP and WebSocket support

Security & Access Control

Built-in ReBAC

  • Relationship-based: Superset of traditional RBAC
  • Graph-based permissions: Complex organizational modeling
  • Inheritance: Permissions flow through organizational structure
  • Granular control: Read, write, and admin permission levels

Advanced Features

Aggregations (Coming Soon)

  • Proven OLAP engine: Based on Lumenize library used by Broadcom, BMW, CA
  • Rollup reporting: Automatic aggregation across organizational hierarchies
  • Peer-group benchmarking: Compare performance within organizational groupings
  • Real-time charts: Auto-updating visualizations via declarative configuration
  • AMCharts integration: Built-in support with more chart libraries coming

Time-Series Support

  • Temporal API integration: Built around JavaScript’s upcoming Temporal API
  • Rich date/time handling: Time zones, durations, and complex temporal operations
  • Valid time semantics: Complete audit trail with queryable history

Platform Integration

Cloudflare Ecosystem

  • Durable Objects: Built specifically for Cloudflare’s paradigm
  • Workers integration: Seamless deployment and scaling
  • Edge optimization: Global distribution and low latency
  • Ecosystem compatibility: Works with Queues, Workflows, LLMs, KV, R2

Why These Concepts Matter

These foundational concepts and features enable:

  • Flexible organizational modeling through DAG structure
  • Comprehensive access control via ReBAC
  • Complete audit trails through temporal data
  • Scalable architecture leveraging Cloudflare’s platform
  • Modern API interfaces with real-time capabilities
  • Rich client library ecosystem for reactive applications

Next Steps