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Ask HN: FOSS low-code/no-code platforms?

by sandwichbop on 9/18/21, 5:54 AM with 14 comments

I know visual scripting is an old idea, but I've noticed an uptick in people adopting low-code/no-code solutions, allowing them to build entire websites, apps, and startups like never before. Quick Examples: Bubble.io[1], OutSystems[2], Microsoft Power Apps[3] that targets this sort of niche, but there's plenty of more. They're far from perfect, but they don't feel like a fad this time.

Most of these low-code/no-code platforms are proprietary and often expensive; I want to contribute to alternatives. What FOSS low-code/no-code platforms exist, and which have the most potential?

[1] https://bubble.io [2] https://www.outsystems.com/p/modern-development/ [3] https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-us/

  • by rnavi on 9/24/21, 7:32 PM

    NocoDB is a free & open source Airtable alternative & has received 2 Million+ times within 15 weeks.

    Github: https://github.com/nocodb/nocodb

    It simply works by transforming any existing databases into smart spreadsheet.

    We support Postgres, MySQL, SQL Server & SQLite.

    You can create business workflows by connecting to Slack, Microsoft Teams, Discord, Twilio, Whatsapp, Email & any 3rd party APIs too. Plus NocoDB provides programmatic access via REST/GQL APIs so that you can build integrations with Zapier / Integromat and custom applications too.

    Full disclaimer : Founder here

  • by tobinharris on 9/24/21, 7:08 PM

    I've been curating a list of open source no-code tools. I'm sure I've missed a few but here they are.

    It includes the ones mentioned here - AppSmith, ToolJet, BudiBase and SaltCorn. I'll add NodeRed even though it's a bit more hardware/IoT oriented.

    https://pocketworks.co.uk/blog/open-source-no-code-tools

  • by kinj28 on 9/19/21, 1:40 AM

    You may want to look at appsmith - they are FOSS - will enable building frontend apps

    Incase you happen to explore low code SaaS platforms then check out DronaHQ - front end app dev platform - built in DB - automation - BPM

    Disclaimer- I am a part of DronaHQ

  • by satvikpendem on 9/18/21, 6:05 AM

    There's this one I read about a little while ago: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=27421408

  • by Irongirl1 on 9/18/21, 7:47 PM

  • by quickthrower2 on 9/18/21, 6:49 AM

  • by solmag on 9/18/21, 5:59 AM

    ray-traced code /when/, the world demands 4 dimensional code