The Interface

A visual tour of the Spala UI — learn where everything is and what each section does.

The Interface

This page gives you a quick tour of the Spala UI so you know where everything lives.

Dashboard

When you open a project, Lite mode shows the Copilot next to your project graph. This is where most users describe what they want, inspect what Spala built, and jump into focused editors.

The Spala Lite workspace showing AI Copilot and the project graph
Lite mode keeps the Copilot and project graph side by side.

Advanced mode opens on Project Overview. Use the tabs there to scan backend resources, inspect the project network, and run or review project agents before you open a focused editor.

The Spala Project Overview showing backend resources and endpoint summary
Project Overview shows the live shape of your backend and the most common jump points.

Sidebar

The left sidebar is your main navigation. Here is what each section does:

| Section       | What it does                                                |
|--------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Database  | Design tables, add fields, set up relationships             |
| Functions | Build backend logic with Gherkin, Visual, Split, and Code views |
| Endpoints | Create REST API routes and attach functions to them          |
| Tasks     | Set up functions that run manually, in the background, or on a repeat schedule |
| Triggers  | Auto-run functions when database records change              |
| Channels  | Manage realtime channels when enabled for the project        |
| Agents    | Build project-native automations with triggers, chat, timeline, and metrics |
| Pull Requests | Review generated backend changes before merging or publishing |
| Background Tasks | Monitor queued, running, failed, and completed async jobs |
| Addons    | Browse and enable addons for email, payments, AI, and more  |
| Playground| Test your endpoints with sample requests                    |

The Editor

When you open a function, endpoint, or table, the editor takes over the main area. Function editing starts in Gherkin view:

The Spala Gherkin view showing a function outline and typed inputs
The Gherkin view shows the function contract, outline, and response shape.

Function editors have several views:

- Gherkin - A readable outline of inputs, outputs, preparation, business logic, and response shape.
- Visual - Editable step blocks and inputs for users who want direct control without writing code.
- Split - Visual and Code together when you need both context and detail.
- Code - JavaScript for advanced editing.

The editor workspace also gives you open tabs, view-mode memory, Ask AI, Try, Compare, Discard, Save, version history, run history, export, revert, and delete controls.

Code View

Every function has a Code tab next to Gherkin, Visual, and Split. Click it to see and edit the JavaScript version of your function. Changes stay connected to the visual views.

The code view showing JavaScript
Switch between visual and code at any time

Good to know

You do not have to choose one or the other. Build visually, then fine-tune in code — or write code and see it appear as visual steps.

Publish

When your project is ready, click Publish to publish the backend API. Your endpoints become accessible at your configured project API base URL. This publishes project API behavior; it does not deploy or self-host the Spala platform.

Search everything

Press Cmd+K (or Ctrl+K on Windows) to open the search palette. It searches across your tables, functions, endpoints, tasks, triggers, and settings. Use type prefixes to filter:

| Prefix | Searches |
|--------|----------|
| @t, @table | Tables |
| @f, @fn, @function | Functions |
| @e, @endpoint | Endpoints |
| @tk, @task | Tasks |
| @tr, @trigger | Triggers |
| @ch, @channel | Channels |

Settings and delivery tools

Settings is where project-level operations live: AI configuration, Project Memory, MCP, Frontend App hosting, generated API Docs, Environment variables, Snapshots, CI/CD, Team Access, and Trash Bin recovery.

Keyboard shortcuts

| Shortcut | Action |
|----------|--------|
| Cmd/Ctrl + K | Search palette |
| Cmd/Ctrl + J | AI Copilot |
| Cmd/Ctrl + L | Log terminal |
| Escape | Close panel |

Trash bin

Deleted items go to the Trash Bin (in Settings). You can preview and restore anything you accidentally deleted.

Quick Start
/getting-started/quickstart
Build your first API
Project Overview
/features/project-overview
Inspect the whole backend from one screen
Editor Workspace
/features/editor-workspace
Use tabs, search, view modes, Ask AI, Try, and save controls
Database
/database
Design your data model
Functions
/flows
Start building backend logic
Frontend App
/features/frontend-app
Publish a UI for the project