5 Awesome open source low code devTools you should know in 2023
In recent years, the demand for low-code and no-code development tools has skyrocketed. These tools allow companies to rapidly develop and deploy applications without the need for extensive coding knowledge. Open source low code devTools provide additional advantages, such as cost savings and community support. In this article, we will explore five open source low code devTools that you should know in 2023.
What is Open Source Low Code?
Open source low-code development has become a popular approach for creating software applications that require less coding and more visual, drag-and-drop interfaces. Low-code platforms allow developers with limited coding experience to create applications quickly and efficiently, while also providing experienced developers with the tools they need to accelerate their development process. Open source low-code platforms take this one step further by providing developers with a cost-effective solution that is both flexible and customizable.
Essentially, open source low code devTools are visual development environments that allow developers to create applications without having to write extensive lines of code. This is achieved through a drag-and-drop interface that allows developers to create and configure application components quickly and easily. With low-code platforms, developers can leverage pre-built modules, templates, and components to speed up their development process. This approach enables developers to focus on the application's functionality and user experience rather than the underlying code.
Open source low-code platforms offer additional benefits, such as community support, collaboration, and customization. These platforms are open-source, meaning that the source code is available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This provides developers with the flexibility to customize the platform to their specific needs, and it also fosters a supportive community of developers who share their knowledge and expertise.
1. ILLA Cloud
ILLA Cloud is an open-source low-code platform for building internal tools. It provides a powerful and flexible UI library for building web applications that connect to databases and APIs. The platform enables developers to create and deploy internal tools quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively without writing extensive lines of code. With its drag-and-drop interface, ILLA Cloud makes it easy to build user interfaces for applications that can be used across different platforms and devices.
ILLA Cloud also supports multiple data sources, including Redis, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL, Stripe, Google Sheets, and AWS S3. This allows developers to integrate data from different sources into their applications, enabling them to build more comprehensive and powerful tools. Additionally, ILLA Cloud offers a collaborative feature, allowing teams to work together on building and maintaining internal tools.
Because ILLA Cloud is open-source, the platform's source code is available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This means that developers can customize the platform to fit their specific needs and share their knowledge and expertise with the community.
Features:
- Drag-and-drop interface: ILLA Cloud provides a drag-and-drop interface that allows developers to create user interfaces for their applications quickly and easily. This makes it easy to build applications without having to write extensive lines of code.
- Cross-platform and cloud-based: ILLA Cloud is a cross-platform and cloud-based platform, which means that developers can use it to build applications that can be used across different devices and platforms. This makes it a flexible and versatile tool for building internal tools.
- Multiple data sources: ILLA Cloud supports multiple data sources, including Redis, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL, Stripe, Google Sheets, and AWS S3. This enables developers to integrate data from different sources into their applications, making it easier to build more comprehensive and powerful tools.
- Collaborative feature: ILLA Cloud also has a collaborative feature that allows teams to work together on building and maintaining internal tools. This makes it easier for developers to collaborate and share their knowledge and expertise with others.
- Friendly community: ILLA Cloud has a friendly community of developers who share their knowledge and expertise with others. This provides developers with access to a supportive community that can help them troubleshoot issues and provide feedback on their work.
Pricing:
ILLA Cloud is a free and open-source low-code platform for building internal tools. This means that anyone can use the platform without having to pay for licenses or subscriptions. Being open-source, the source code of the platform is also available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This provides developers with the flexibility to customize the platform to their specific needs and fosters a supportive community of developers who share their knowledge and expertise with others.
ILLA Cloud's pricing model reflects its commitment to providing a cost-effective solution for building internal tools. As an open-source platform, ILLA Cloud does not charge any fees for using the platform, and there are no hidden costs or charges. This makes it an ideal choice for startups, small businesses, and non-profit organizations that want to build internal tools without incurring significant costs.
Advantages:
- Low-code platform: ILLA Cloud is a low-code platform, which means that developers can create and deploy applications quickly and efficiently without having to write extensive lines of code. This makes it an ideal tool for teams with limited coding experience or resources.
- Cross-platform and cloud-based: ILLA Cloud is a cross-platform and cloud-based platform, which means that developers can use it to build applications that can be used across different devices and platforms. This makes it a flexible and versatile tool for building internal tools.
- Multiple data sources: ILLA Cloud supports multiple data sources, including Redis, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL, Stripe, Google Sheets, and AWS S3. This enables developers to integrate data from different sources into their applications, making it easier to build more comprehensive and powerful tools.
- Collaborative feature: ILLA Cloud has a collaborative feature that allows teams to work together on building and maintaining internal tools. This makes it easier for developers to collaborate and share their knowledge and expertise with others.
- Open-source and free: ILLA Cloud is an open-source and free platform, which means that developers can use it without having to pay for licenses or subscriptions. This makes it an ideal choice for startups, small businesses, and non-profit organizations that want to build internal tools without incurring significant costs.
2. Budibase
Budibase is a low-code platform for building enterprise-grade web applications that offers flexible pricing options to its users. The platform offers both a free and open-source version, as well as paid plans that provide additional features and support. The free and open-source version of Budibase allows developers to create and deploy web applications without having to pay for licenses or subscriptions. Budibase's paid plans offer advanced features such as custom domains, SSL certificates, and priority support. The pricing of Budibase's paid plans is based on the number of users, projects, and features required, making it a flexible and scalable solution for businesses of all sizes.
Features:
- User-friendly interface: Budibase provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to build user interfaces for web applications.
- Customizable components: Budibase's customizable components allow developers to tailor the platform to their specific needs and preferences.
- Built-in support for PostgreSQL: Budibase comes with built-in support for PostgreSQL, making it easy to integrate databases into web applications.
- Cross-platform and cloud-based: Budibase is a cross-platform and cloud-based platform, which means that developers can use it to build applications that can be used across different devices and platforms.
- Open-source nature: Budibase's open-source nature provides developers with the flexibility to customize the platform to their specific needs and fosters a supportive community of developers who share their knowledge and expertise with others.
Pricing:
Budibase is a low-code platform for building enterprise-grade web applications that offers flexible pricing options to its users. The platform offers both a free and open-source version, as well as paid plans that provide additional features and support. The free and open-source version of Budibase allows developers to create and deploy web applications without having to pay for licenses or subscriptions. Budibase's paid plans offer advanced features such as custom domains, SSL certificates, and priority support. The pricing of Budibase's paid plans is based on the number of users, projects, and features required, making it a flexible and scalable solution for businesses of all sizes.
Advantages:
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface: Budibase provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to build user interfaces for web applications. This makes the development process faster and more intuitive.
- Customizable components: Budibase's customizable components allow developers to tailor the platform to their specific needs and preferences. This makes it easier to build applications that meet the unique requirements of their business.
- Built-in support for PostgreSQL: Budibase comes with built-in support for PostgreSQL, making it easy to integrate databases into web applications. This simplifies the development process and reduces the need for additional tools or plugins.
- Cross-platform and cloud-based: Budibase is a cross-platform and cloud-based platform, which means that developers can use it to build applications that can be used across different devices and platforms. This makes it a flexible and versatile tool for building enterprise-grade web applications.
- Open-source nature: Budibase is an open-source platform, which means that developers can customize the platform to fit their specific needs and share their knowledge and expertise with others. This fosters a supportive community of developers who can help troubleshoot issues and provide feedback on their work.
Drawbacks:
- Limited third-party integrations: Budibase's current version has limited third-party integrations compared to some other low-code platforms. This means that developers may need to use additional tools or plugins to integrate their applications with other services or platforms.
- Limited documentation: Some developers have reported that Budibase's documentation can be incomplete or difficult to follow. This can make it challenging for developers who are new to the platform to get started.
- Limited community support: While Budibase has an active community of developers, it may not be as large or active as some other low-code platforms. This can make it more challenging to get support or find answers to questions.
- Limited feature set: While Budibase offers many useful features, some developers may find that it lacks certain advanced features or capabilities that other low-code platforms provide.
3. Appsmith
Appsmith is an open-source low-code platform that allows developers to build and deploy custom web applications quickly and efficiently. Appsmith's drag-and-drop interface and customizable components make it easy for developers to create user interfaces and integrate data from multiple sources. With built-in support for popular databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and more, Appsmith enables developers to quickly build and deploy powerful applications without having to write extensive lines of code. Additionally, Appsmith's open-source nature provides developers with the flexibility to customize the platform to their specific needs and fosters a supportive community of developers who share their knowledge and expertise with others.
Features:
- Drag-and-drop interface: Appsmith provides a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for developers to create user interfaces for their applications. This simplifies the development process and reduces the need for extensive coding.
- Customizable components: Appsmith's customizable components allow developers to tailor the platform to their specific needs and preferences. This makes it easier to build applications that meet the unique requirements of their business.
- Built-in support for databases: Appsmith comes with built-in support for popular databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and more. This simplifies the integration of databases into web applications and reduces the need for additional tools or plugins.
- Cross-platform and cloud-based: Appsmith is a cross-platform and cloud-based platform, which means that developers can use it to build applications that can be used across different devices and platforms. This makes it a flexible and versatile tool for building web applications.
- Open-source nature: Appsmith's open-source nature provides developers with the flexibility to customize the platform to fit their specific needs and share their knowledge and expertise with others. This fosters a supportive community of developers who can help troubleshoot issues and provide feedback on their work.
Pricing:
Appsmith is an open-source low-code platform that provides a free and fully customizable version for developers to use. However, for teams that require additional features and support, Appsmith offers paid plans that provide advanced features such as custom domains, SSL certificates, and priority support. The pricing of Appsmith's paid plans is based on the number of users and applications required, making it a scalable solution for businesses of all sizes. Additionally, Appsmith offers a free trial period for its paid plans, allowing users to test out the additional features and support before committing to a subscription.
Advantages:
- Collaboration features: Appsmith provides collaboration features that make it easy for teams to work together on building web applications. This includes the ability to share projects, invite team members, and assign roles and permissions.
- Real-time data visualization: Appsmith allows developers to create real-time data visualization widgets that can display data from multiple sources. This makes it easier to monitor and analyze data in real time within web applications.
- Extensive plugin library: Appsmith has an extensive plugin library that allows developers to integrate with a wide range of third-party services and platforms. This makes it easy to add additional features and functionality to web applications without having to write extensive lines of code.
- Advanced security features: Appsmith provides advanced security features such as SSL encryption and role-based access control. This ensures that web applications built with Appsmith are secure and compliant with industry standards.
- Responsive design: Appsmith's drag-and-drop interface allows developers to create responsive designs that can adapt to different screen sizes and devices. This makes it easier to build web applications that are accessible from desktop and mobile devices.
Drawbacks:
- Limited third-party integrations: While Appsmith has an extensive plugin library, it may not offer integrations with all third-party services and platforms that developers need. This can limit the flexibility of the platform and require developers to use additional tools or plugins to integrate their applications with other services or platforms.
- Steep learning curve: Appsmith can have a steep learning curve for developers who are new to the platform. The drag-and-drop interface and customizable components require a certain level of familiarity and experience to use effectively.
- Limited documentation: Some developers have reported that Appsmith's documentation can be incomplete or difficult to follow. This can make it challenging for developers who are new to the platform to get started.
- Limited community support: While Appsmith has an active community of developers, it may not be as large or active as some other low-code platforms. This can make it more challenging to get support or find answers to questions.
- Limited feature set: While Appsmith offers many useful features, some developers may find that it lacks certain advanced features or capabilities that other low-code platforms provide.
4. Tooljet
ToolJet is a low-code platform that enables developers to build custom web applications quickly and efficiently. It provides a drag-and-drop interface and customizable components that make it easy for developers to create user interfaces and integrate data from multiple sources. ToolJet supports a wide range of technologies, including popular databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB, as well as popular front-end frameworks like React, Vue, and Angular. With its open-source nature and extensive plugin library, Tooljet provides developers with the flexibility to customize the platform to their specific needs and add additional features and functionality as needed. Overall, Tooljet is a powerful and versatile tool for building web applications with a low-code platform.
Features:
- Drag-and-drop interface: ToolJet provides a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy for developers to create user interfaces for their applications. This simplifies the development process and reduces the need for extensive coding.
- Customizable components: ToolJet's customizable components allow developers to tailor the platform to their specific needs and preferences. This makes it easier to build applications that meet the unique requirements of their business.
- Built-in support for databases: ToolJet comes with built-in support for popular databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB. This simplifies the integration of databases into web applications and reduces the need for additional tools or plugins.
- Cross-platform and cloud-based: ToolJet is a cross-platform and cloud-based platform, which means that developers can use it to build applications that can be used across different devices and platforms. This makes it a flexible and versatile tool for building web applications.
- Open-source nature: ToolJet's open-source nature provides developers with the flexibility to customize the platform to fit their specific needs and share their knowledge and expertise with others. This fosters a supportive community of developers who can help troubleshoot issues and provide feedback on their work.
- Extensive plugin library: ToolJet comes with an extensive plugin library that allows developers to integrate with a wide range of third-party services and platforms. This makes it easy to add additional features and functionality to web applications without having to write extensive lines of code.
- Workflow automation: ToolJet provides workflow automation features that help developers automate repetitive tasks and streamline their workflows. This reduces the need for manual intervention and improves the speed and efficiency of the development process.
Pricing:
ToolJet offers a flexible pricing model that is based on the number of users and applications required. The platform provides a free and fully customizable version for developers to use. For teams that require additional features and support, ToolJet offers paid plans that provide advanced features such as custom domains, SSL certificates, and priority support. ToolJet's pricing is competitive and affordable, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes. Additionally, ToolJet offers a free trial period for its paid plans, allowing users to test out the additional features and support before committing to a subscription.
Advantages:
- Real-time data visualization: ToolJet allows developers to create real-time data visualization widgets that can display data from multiple sources. This makes it easier to monitor and analyze data in real-time within web applications.
- Scalability: ToolJet's cloud-based architecture allows developers to build applications that can scale as their business grows. This means that applications built with ToolJet can accommodate more users and data without requiring extensive re-architecting.
- Rapid prototyping: ToolJet's low-code platform and drag-and-drop interface make it an ideal tool for rapid prototyping. Developers can quickly create mock-ups and test different variations of their application before committing to a final version.
- Easy deployment: ToolJet provides easy deployment options that allow developers to quickly deploy their applications to the cloud or on-premise. This reduces the amount of time and resources required to deploy web applications.
- Competitive pricing: ToolJet's flexible pricing options make it an accessible and cost-effective solution for developers and businesses looking to build custom web applications with a low-code platform.
Drawbacks:
- Limited third-party integrations: While ToolJet has an extensive plugin library, it may not offer integrations with all third-party services and platforms that developers need. This can limit the flexibility of the platform and require developers to use additional tools or plugins to integrate their applications with other services or platforms.
- Steep learning curve: ToolJet can have a steep learning curve for developers who are new to the platform. The drag-and-drop interface and customizable components require a certain level of familiarity and experience to use effectively.
- Limited documentation: Some developers have reported that ToolJet's documentation can be incomplete or difficult to follow. This can make it challenging for developers who are new to the platform to get started.
- Limited community support: While ToolJet has an active community of developers, it may not be as large or active as some other low-code platforms. This can make it more challenging to get support or find answers to questions.
- Limited feature set: While ToolJet offers many useful features, some developers may find that it lacks certain advanced features or capabilities that other low-code platforms provide.
5. Refine.Dev
Refine.Dev is a web-based platform that provides developers with a suite of tools for building and deploying serverless applications quickly and efficiently. It offers a drag-and-drop interface, customizable components, and pre-built templates that make it easy to create and deploy applications without having to write extensive lines of code. Refine.Dev supports a wide range of technologies, including popular databases like MongoDB and PostgreSQL, as well as popular front-end frameworks like React and Vue. With its cloud-based architecture and extensive plugin library, Refine.Dev provides developers with the flexibility to customize the platform to their specific needs and add additional features and functionality as needed.
Features:
- Pre-built templates: Refine.Dev provides pre-built templates that make it easy for developers to get started with building web applications quickly. These templates cover a wide range of use cases, such as e-commerce, project management, and content management, and can be customized to fit the specific needs of a business.
- Real-time collaboration: Refine.Dev allows developers to collaborate in real-time on building web applications, making it easy for teams to work together on projects. This includes the ability to share projects, invite team members, and assign roles and permissions.
- Rapid prototyping: Refine.Dev's low-code platform and drag-and-drop interface make it an ideal tool for rapid prototyping. Developers can quickly create mock-ups and test different variations of their application before committing to a final version.
- Customer support: Refine.Dev provides excellent customer support that includes a dedicated support team, documentation, and community forums. This ensures that developers can get the help they need when they need it.
- Extensive plugin library: Refine.Dev comes with an extensive plugin library that allows developers to integrate with a wide range of third-party services and platforms. This makes it easy to add additional features and functionality to web applications without having to write extensive lines of code.
- Workflow automation: Refine.Dev provides workflow automation features that help developers automate repetitive tasks and streamline their workflows. This reduces the need for manual intervention and improves the speed and efficiency of the development process.
Pricing:
Refine.Dev offers a variety of pricing plans to suit the needs of different businesses and developers. Its plans range from a free community edition to paid plans that offer additional features and support. The community edition is free and provides basic features, while the premium plans start at $29 per month and offer additional features such as team collaboration, custom domains, and priority support. Refine.Dev's pricing is based on the number of projects and the number of team members, with higher-tier plans allowing for more projects and team members.
Advantages:
- Drag-and-drop interface: Refine.Dev's drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for developers to create user interfaces and integrate data from multiple sources. This simplifies the development process and reduces the need for extensive coding.
- Customizable components: Refine.Dev's customizable components allow developers to tailor the platform to their specific needs and preferences. This makes it easier to build applications that meet the unique requirements of their business.
- Built-in support for databases: Refine.Dev comes with built-in support for popular databases like MongoDB and PostgreSQL. This simplifies the integration of databases into web applications and reduces the need for additional tools or plugins.
- Cross-platform and cloud-based: Refine.Dev is a cross-platform and cloud-based platform that enables developers to create web applications that can be used across different devices and platforms. This makes it a flexible and versatile tool for building web applications.
- Open-source nature: Refine.Dev's open-source nature provides developers with the flexibility to customize the platform to fit their specific needs and share their knowledge and expertise with others. This fosters a supportive community of developers who can help troubleshoot issues and provide feedback on their work.
- Cost-effective: Refine.Dev is a cost-effective tool for building web applications, as it requires fewer resources and less development time than traditional coding methods. This can help businesses save on development costs and get their applications to market faster.
Drawbacks:
- Learning Curve: Refine.Dev has a learning curve for new users, especially those who are not familiar with automation tools. It may take some time for developers to get used to the platform's interface and features, which could slow down their workflow initially.
- Limited Integration Support: While Refine.Dev offers integration capabilities with popular tools and services, it may not support integration with all the tools that developers use in their workflows. This could limit the platform's usefulness for developers who rely heavily on specific tools.
- Pricing: Refine.Dev is a paid platform, and its pricing may not be affordable for small businesses or individual developers who have limited budgets.
- Dependency on Internet Connection: Refine.Dev is a cloud-based platform, which means it relies on a stable internet connection to function properly. Developers who work in areas with poor internet connectivity may experience downtime or slow performance.
- Security Concerns: Refine.Dev requires developers to give access to their code repositories, which could raise security concerns for some developers. While the platform has robust security measures in place, some developers may still be hesitant to use it.
- Limited Customization: Refine.Dev offers a range of pre-built automation workflows, but developers may not be able to customize them to fit their specific needs. This could limit the platform's flexibility and usefulness for some developers.
Comparison
Conclusion
Open source low code devTools offer companies an opportunity to develop and deploy applications quickly and cost-effectively. From ILLA Cloud to Refine.Dev, each of these platforms offers unique features and benefits. Choosing the right platform depends on the specific needs of your business. We recommend exploring these open source low code devTools to find the one that fits your requirements.
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cloud.illacloud.com
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github.com/illacloud/illa-builder
Source:
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(2) ILLA Cloud | Accelerate your internal tools development. https://www.illacloud.com/.
(3) ILLA Cloud - Product Information, Latest Updates, and Reviews 2023 .... https://www.producthunt.com/products/illa.
(4) How to Automate Tasks with ILLA Cloud. https://blog.illacloud.com/how-to-automate-tasks-with-illa-cloud-a-low-code-platform-for-internal-tools/.
(5) About ILLA - ILLA. https://www.illacloud.com/docs/about-illa.
(6) Updated Drag-and-Drop Feature of ILLA Cloud: Revolutionizing Component Placement and Layout. https://blog.illacloud.com/updated-drag-and-drop-feature-of-illa-cloud-revolutionizing-component-placement-and-layout/