What is CRUD App, and how to build one?

CRUD apps are everywhere. If you've ever built an app that allows users to create, read, update, or delete data, then you've made a CRUD app.

This post will show you how to quickly use ILLA to build a CRUD app. We'll also provide some tips on what to consider when building your own CRUD app. Let's get started!

What is CRUD app

A CRUD app stands for 'Create, Read, Update and Delete,' It is a user interface that informs your database of what functions to perform. It is a type of database management system where each representation within the user interface typically represents an attribute in the underlying data structure.

These four actions represent the most basic operations of a persistent storage system, which are meant to staff and keep track of existing employees. A user can create objects on a web application designed to perform four basic CRUD operations; Create, Retrieve/Read, Update, and Delete. Usually, when building a CRUD app, you usually interact with databases containing tables containing data that businesses and organizations use to maintain their day-to-day workflows.

The user’s interaction with the web application is recorded in the SQL database as part of the CRUD process. Building a simple CRUD app will teach users how to create entities from scratch and use objects from libraries like React.

With this understanding, users will know how all entities interact using REST API for accessing or sending data back and forth between client-side applications and server-side applications written in a programming language such as NodeJS or Python. The knowledge acquired from building a simple CRUD app allows businesses and organizations an easy way to maintain information such as staff records more efficiently.

Examples of popular CRUD apps

There are many popular CRUD apps that user interface (UI) designers use to manage databases. CRUD stands for Create, Read, Update, and Delete operations that are so commonly used in web applications. These applications usually consist of parts where users can create new or modify the existing data using the CRUD functions.

For example, a simple CRUD app could be used by staff to keep track of existing employees and their information. Popular low-code platforms such as Retool, Appsmith, and Tooljet offer user-friendly environments to quickly develop custom CRUD applications for both desktop-oriented and mobile users. Together, these apps make it easy for businesses to set up complex user management systems without requiring much front-end development work.

Database

The database is the core of any CRUD app, as it stores the data that users can create, read, update, and delete. There are many types of databases available, but they can be broadly categorized into two groups: relational (SQL) and non-relational (NoSQL).

Relational databases use tables to store data, where each table has a predefined schema and each row represents a record. Relational databases are good for structured and consistent data that requires complex queries and transactions. Some of the most popular relational databases are MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server.

Non-relational databases use collections to store data, where each collection can have a flexible schema and each document represents a record. Non-relational databases are good for unstructured and dynamic data that requires high scalability and performance. Some of the most popular non-relational databases are MongoDB, CouchDB, Firebase, and DynamoDB.

Choosing the right database for your CRUD app depends on several factors, such as the type and volume of data you need to store, the level of consistency and reliability you need to ensure, and the complexity and frequency of queries you need to perform. You should also consider the compatibility and integration of your database with your user interface and API tools.

User Interface

The user interface is the front end of your CRUD app, where users can see and manipulate the data stored in your database. The user interface can be built using various technologies and frameworks, depending on the type and complexity of your app.

One of the most common ways to build a user interface for a CRUD app is using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. HTML defines the structure and content of your web page, CSS styles the appearance and layout of your web page, and JavaScript adds interactivity and functionality to your web page. You can use plain HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or use libraries and frameworks that simplify and enhance your development process.

Some of the most popular libraries and frameworks for building user interfaces are React, Angular, Vue.js, Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS, jQuery, etc. These tools provide various features and benefits for creating dynamic and responsive web pages that can communicate with your API and database.

Another way to build a user interface for a CRUD app is by using low-code or no-code platforms. These platforms allow you to create web pages using drag-and-drop components and visual editors without writing much or any code. Some
of the most popular low-code or no-code platforms are Budibase, Appsmith, Bubble.io, Webflow, etc. These tools are great for beginners or non-developers who want to create simple and fast CRUD apps without learning complex technologies.

API

The API is the bridge between your user interface and your database. It defines how your user interface can request data from your database or send data
to your database using HTTP methods such as GET (read), POST (create), PUT (update), or DELETE (delete). The API also handles authentication, authorization, validation, error handling, etc.

There are many ways to build an API for your CRUD app, but one of the most common ways is using REST (Representational State Transfer). REST is an architectural style that defines how resources (data) can be accessed and manipulated using standard HTTP methods and formats such as JSON or XML.
REST APIs are easy to understand and use byboth humans and machines.

Some of the most popular tools for building REST APIs are Node.js, Express.js, Flask, Django, Ruby on Rails, Laravel, etc. These tools are frameworks that provide various features and libraries for creating and managing web servers and APIs.

Another way to build an API for your CRUD app is using GraphQL. GraphQL is a query language and a runtime that allows you to define and execute queries and mutations (operations) on your data using a single endpoint. GraphQL APIs are more flexible and efficient than REST APIs, as they allow you to request or send only the data you need, avoiding over-fetching or under-fetching.

Some of the most popular tools for building GraphQL APIs are Apollo Server, Prisma, Hasura, Graphene, etc. These tools are libraries or platforms that help you create and manage GraphQL servers and schemas.

Introduce ILLA and how it can be used to build a CRUD app

ILLA is an open-source low-code platform for building internal tools. Its main aim is to help programmers develop modules to monitor data, which is one of the most tedious jobs for a developer. Another new feature in this open-source low-code app is that you can make your own customized block of code and then later put it up for sale in the marketplace.

It gets connected to the mainstream database, or it can connect to any database through APIs. It can even add action to the chain of user events. Its backend and front-end data components are tightly integrated; hence developers can write data calls for massive information interaction.

It is doubly helpful for developers because it offers them the freedom to implement richer functionality. They can use {{template syntax}} for richer content.

It allows real-time collaboration, making it easier for developers to interact at different ends of the world to work on it simultaneously. They can use ILLA Builder by sharing links, co-editing, and communicating for improved development efficiency.

ILLA Builder has a comprehensive UI library. It has several valuable components that developers can use to drop and drag to build attractive interfaces without wasting much time

Features:

• It can easily be integrated with any database.
• You can download ILLA CLI for any of these operating systems: Windows, Linux, and MAC.
• It offers real-time collaboration, enabling developers to communicate for better development.
• It provides flexible deployment. You can use ILLA Cloud, ILLA CLI, Kubernetes, and Docker.
• You can easily integrate third-party APIs.
• It is free to share, use, copy, and update.
• It is constantly being polished with new updates and features.

ILLA Cloud provides businesses and organizations with a powerful CRUD APP that can be used to manage data resources and provide a user interface for manipulating them. It is built using popular React open-source libraries, allowing developers to create sophisticated CRUD apps from scratch. Its Rest API calls allow businesses with access rights within their organization to easily interact with the web application and keep track of employee records and other essential data.

In addition, ILLA Cloud is a low-code developer tool, Retool alternatives, which provides user-friendly environments for quickly developing custom CRUD applications. These tools enable organizations to quickly set up complex user management systems without extensive front-end development work.

Furthermore, leveraging a database management system like PostgreSQL or MongoDB allows developers to efficiently access data resources through the ILLA Cloud's CRUD app they build. The low code platforms also make it easier for developers to create custom CRUD apps that are both desktop and mobile compatible with minimal effort on their part.

Examples of using ILLA to build a CRUD app

Conclusion

In conclusion, CRUD (create, read, update, and delete) applications are essential in our digital lives. Popular CRUD apps touch almost every part of communicating and consuming information.

Fortunately, ILLA Cloud makes it easy for developers to quickly build their own CRUD app using its reliable platform with specialized frameworks and tools. It’s simple to start; all you need is a bit of coding experience and the willingness to learn the ropes. You can start building your own custom CRUD app with ease!

If you still need help making a CRUD application using ILLA Cloud, feel free to visit our tutorials or contact support for extra help. So what are you waiting for? Step into your role as a modern web developer by trying ILLA Cloud today! Check out ILLA Cloud today！

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