This is a Squarespace V6 template I created that uses Parse.com as the backend database. Since Squarespace is a hosted platform, site owners and developers do not have access to the backend server code. Therefore, creating database-driven apps have been notorisouly difficult due to cross-domain issues.
Parse implements Cross-origin resource sharing (CORS), which allows interaction with a databse regardless of the domain.
So… I created this site to explore what's possible.
Example Site: Mike's NFL Pool
Mikes NFL Pool is a fun football pool site I created for my father-in-law. You can view the site or even login as a guest user and play along.
- Be sure to have your site template up and running using the Squarespace Development Kit instructions.
- Create an account as Parse.com. They provide a free basic plan. Once you sign up, create a new app and fill in the appropriate information.
- Use Parse's online Data Browser to build your database. There are more advanced methods you can use later once you're more familiar with the setup.
- Download the Parse Javascript API, and add required files to your Squarespace site. Review their Javascript API guide
- Include other required files. jQuery and underscore.js
- Utilize the parse-backbone framework to interact with your new database.
Visit the Squarespace Answers guide for further information. I created a specific answer regarding this demo in that guide available here.