Horizon is a realtime API server and RethinkDB backend designed to push database changes instantly to front-end clients. It utilizes a WebSocket data streaming API to synchronize data between the database and user interfaces without requiring manual polling.
The project integrates an OAuth identity manager for verifying user identities through third-party providers and a role-based access control system to define granular permissions for viewing or modifying database documents. It is delivered as a containerized backend framework, allowing the server and its dependencies to be deployed as a portable image.
The platform covers data storage and synchronization, including the ability to query, modify, and monitor documents in real time. It also provides tools for managing user profiles, session tokens, and group access.