Open-source no-code tools could help your business streamline internal processes or prototype apps that improve your customer experience. At Pocketworks, the jury is still out as to whether no-code is something we want to offer to our clients, but it's definitely worth having on your radar. And open source could be an option to consider.
Summary list of open-source no-code tools
Here's a quick summary list. Keep scrolling for details and videos.
NocoDB - Turn any database into a smart spreadsheet
Baserow - Create your own online database without technical experience
Saltcorn - Point and click database web applications
Lowdefy - Build web apps, admin panels and BI dashboards with ease
Directus - Wrap your existing SQL database with a GraphQL+REST API and admin panel
Frappe Framework - Metadata-driven, full-stack framework in Python and Javascript
Basetool - View and manage all your data in one place like a pro
Rowy - Manage Firestore data in a spreadsheet-like UI
GDevelop - Free and easy game-making app
PocketBase - Backend for your nextSaaSandMobile app in 1 file
NocoBase - Build internal tools in minutes
Windmill - Retool alternative for building UIs and automating work
Fun fact - it seems 35% of open-source no-code tools have the word Base in their name 😀
What is no-code?
No-code platforms allow business people to build software with little or no support from technical software people. They can invite employees to use their software, deploy it on mobile devices as apps, or integrate it with existing databases and systems. It's like Microsoft Access all over again, but with the modern goodness of cloud, APIs and apps.
Note that there are many people saying their solutions are no-code. But I'm mostly focusing on the ones that allow you to build end-to-end apps and business systems for use in digital transformation or digital product prototyping.
Why consider Open Source?
When considering using no-code for our own clients, I worry about a few things. Feel free to talk me round, but here's why I think open-source no-code solutions will benefit companies over closed-source alternatives.
Having the ability to host it yourself is good; you don't have to worry about a no-code platform vendor being acquired or deciding to discontinue the product. Nobody can pull the plug (1).
You also have control over rolling out updates. Updates can break things!
Lock-in is another concern. With an open-source solution, a developer can get under the bonnet and explore ways to get their work out of the no-code tool if it becomes too constraining.
Then there's cost. Most no-code platforms charge $15-$50 per user per month, meaning a 50-person department or company will pay almost £11,000 a year or £33,000 over 3 years. This could be great value for money btw, but worth pointing out.
Each of these claims has valid counterarguments, too. For example, with closed-source solutions, you may see a more consistent evolution of the platform. You won't have to worry about security or upgrades. The setup is all done for you; no need to get a tech team to help. Plus, some will have reasonable "exit" conditions. All that could easily be worth the cost.
The right choice will depend on your situation.
Enough chat, show me the no-code tools!
I'll update this list as I learn more. I may even turn it into a no-code app :)
I've indicated with a ★ the ones I feel most excited to try out. This is based on the feature set and gut right now. Note that I haven't tried these yet; feel free to contact me on Twitter with comments.
WARNING: The biggest hurdle for all you non-developers will be getting these systems set up to try out. Look out for ones that have a hosted option for you to try, which might be useful if you're non-technical.
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★★★★★
"NocoDB is an open-source no-code platform that turns any database into a smart spreadsheet."
Pretty cool because it's like AirTable, which is a popular commercial no-code tool
It's aimed at business users and developers
They seem to be interested in customer feedback, using HotJar
Can be hosted on Heroku or other one-click cloud hosting providers
"Create your own online database without technical experience. Our user-friendly no-code tool gives you the powers of a developer without leaving your browser."
"Saltcorn is a platform for building database web applications without writing a single line of code. Use the intuitive point-and-click, drag-and-drop user interface to build the whole application."
"Directus wraps your new or existing SQL database with a real-time GraphQL+REST API for developers and an intuitive admin app for non-technical users."
"Manage Firestore data in a spreadsheet-like UI, write Cloud Functions effortlessly in the browser, and connect to your favourite third-party platforms."
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